Hey, people! Beth here with some info. about little old me! I'm a regular writer for The Health Base.
My education and passion lies in the skin care & aesthetics field - areas that I'm constantly looking to become knowledgeable in!
Get in touch if you wish to know more about me - you can do so here. Bye :)

What are White Spots?

A white mark or spot is the layman’s term for the affliction otherwise known as dental fluorosis. There are two aspects to this issue that are pretty much universal – firstly, it is quite a common problem that both men and women suffer from.

Secondly, the vast majority of people do not know why this is the case. So, let’s first look at why do white spots appear and what can we do to get rid of them.

With regards to what exactly this issue is, white marks on our teeth are essentially exactly what they sound like: marks or spots of a white nature that appear on teeth. These marks can appear on any area of our teeth and they stand out against the overall color of our enamel. This is known as discoloration. They can also appear at any age, whether it be on a child’s tooth or an adult’s. [1]

A Common Problem

As I have alluded to, this problem is a widespread one that affects 1 in every 4 Americans according to recent studies. It was first diagnosed in the early 20th century in Colorado Springs where seemingly healthy individuals started to experience discolorations on their teeth.

After extensive testing was done on the populace, it was determined that there was a link between these discolorations and the abnormally high levels of fluoride that was present in the Colorado Spring’s water supply.

In the modern world, the extent of the appearance of white spots can vary from being hardly noticeable to dominating the physical appearance of a person’s set of teeth. Below highlights this range:

Minor: slight white discoloration that will only appear as flecks and might not even be visible

Mild: white marks that are noticeable but only take up less than 50% of the tooth’s surface

Moderate: marks that cover over 50% of any given tooth

Severe: irregularities in the enamel’s surface which can even come in the form of deep pits

The next key question is…

How is it Caused?

Dental fluorosis can occur for quite a few reasons other than when our teeth come in contact with excessive fluoride. I have listed underneath the main culprits when it comes to this oral problem:

Excessive fluoride: as was the case in Colorado Springs all those years ago, sometimes man-made water supplies can possess too much fluoride in their makeup. Ironically, this chemical agent is introduced into water supplies to actually combat tooth decay. Excessive fluoride can also be an issue in oral hygiene products such as toothpastes and mouth rinses. This can in particular be an issue for children whose teeth are growing and have not yet fully formed. [2]

The Damaging Effects

Now, it is important to note that this issue is very much an aesthetic one. There are no harmful or negative impacts associated with white spots in terms of a person’s health. Rather, the effects of this problem is more of a psychological one. It is much like acne in this way.

However, as is the case with acne, impacts of a psychological nature can be just as serious and damaging as those of a physical one. Below, I have listed some of the aesthetic impacts that this problem can have which in turn can affect people in a psychological manner.

Ruins a great smile

Effects Confidence

Self-Consciousness

Children's growth

We all want that beaming white smile with perfectly straight teeth. Such a smile is not only very attractive, it also usually attributed to being healthy. White spots can somewhat ruin this image, especially if it is quite a severe case with over 50% discoloration.

People who possess great smiles tend to do one thing very often…they smile!! They are confident in their smile and so they are more prone to showing off their pearly whites. Dental fluorosis can impact this as it will make you more…

If you are not happy with your teeth then you can become quite uncomfortable about smiling. I bet you know someone who refuses to show their teeth when being photographed. Or even someone who raises their hand to their mouth when they are laughing. This is usually because they are self-conscious about the state of their teeth. While there may be many reasons for this insecurity, white spots can indeed be a factor at play.

This is probably the most damaging impact that this oral aliment can have. Severe cases can lead to heavy discoloration, with teeth turning yellow, brown, and even black. This, as you can image, could have seriously damaging psychological impacts on children that might even lead to social regression. Childhood is a time when we grow and learn by interacting with children and adults, so the last thing is needed is a health condition that causes social shyness or embarrassment. [4]

Therefore, as you can see, this oral issue can indeed have negative impacts on people of a psychological nature. So, what can we do? Can these stains be prevented and can existing ones be removed? I will answer these questions next.

Potential Solutions

One thing that can be guaranteed to come attached to a health and beauty issue is that there will be a plethora of treatments and supposed cures. These range from natural DIY options to products created in laboratories with the latest technology and scientific practices. As always, these endeavors will lead to good, bad, great, and completely rubbish options being created to choose from. The options available for fluorosis treatment are no different.

What is important to note is that it is indeed possible to both prevent and, if needed, remove white spots from your teeth. It is just a case of picking the best option in which to achieve this. Below, I have outlined some of the best practices when it comes achieving this.

Prevention

Be Vigilant about Fluoride

This is easier said than done. After all, we cannot control the fluoride levels that are present in the local water supply of the place we live. However, what we can do is to keep an eye on fluoride content in certain oral hygiene products that we use on a daily basis. Items like toothpastes and mouth washes are two prime examples. It is also wise to do some research into this area if you are a parent and you are worried about your children experiencing trouble with their teeth. [5]

Maintain a Healthy Diet

There is no question that possessing healthy dietary habits is hugely beneficial for our bodies. Our teeth and our overall oral hygiene are a prime example of this. Things like fizzy drinks; acidic drinks and foods; alcohol; and sugary foods are incredibly harmful to the enamel of our teeth. While all of these things are fine in moderation, excessive consumption can lead to many oral health issues including fluorosis.

Smoking: this baffling habit is something that can be very damaging to a person’s teeth. Smoke and nicotine are not good for a person’s health in general, but they are quite disastrous when it comes to our teeth. If you do not believe me, then just take close like at heavy smoker’s pearly whites! They’ll be lacking in both terms of being pearly and white!!

Removal

The Dental Clinic Option

When it comes to treating this problem there are a few options that can be availed of that stem from the dental clinic route. They are as follows:

Bonding: involves the teeth that have been affected being covered by a hard resin like substance. This resin bonds to the enamel of the tooth in question

Crowns: otherwise known as a dental cap, this method is only really applicable if the discoloration is located at the top/bottom of the tooth

Veneers: these are casings or shells that cover the front surface area of a tooth in order to hide any discoloration

Calcium Phosphate MI Paste: a substance that has been designed to realign the color of an affected tooth or teeth

pro

cons

our verdict

Professional setting

Professional staff & expertise

Top of the line equipment

Quite expensive

Repeat visits could be necessary

Time consuming as you might be placed on a waiting list

Visiting a dental clinic is a good idea if you have severe discoloration, i.e. if your teeth are black and have pits. For minor or mild issues, a clinic is a bit overkill when you take into account the time, effort, and cost

​The Home DIY Option

(Health Base Recommendation)

As is the case nowadays, many people choose to, and prefer to, fix minor aesthetic related health and beauty concerns from the comfort of their own home. This is not surprising as the technology and methods available in today’s world have made such a venture very achievable. Top DIY options are just as good as a professional service and are also usually quite that bit cheaper.

One of the leading DIY methods that centers around teeth discoloration issues is that of teeth whitening systems. These home systems come in varying forms but essentially work to brighten the overall shade of your teeth to the desired level. These products are very easy to use and are usually quite fast acting.

Pros: Just as effective if not more so than the professional options, far cheaper than a dental clinic visit, can control the exact shade of your teeth, require no expertise in which to use, can be administrated from the comfort of your home, time friendly as there is no waiting list

Cons: Does not supply the professional setting, can be difficult deciding which is the best system to choose from

Verdict: this is the Health Base’s recommended option when it comes to this issue, or indeed any discoloration problem. Being relatively cheap and easy to use, these home brightening kits are ideal to quickly and effectively deal with fluorosis

pro

cons

our verdict

Professional Standard: these home kits are just as effective and efficient as dental clinics

More Affordable: while being just as effective, they are also far cheaper than the professional route

Complete Control: you can choose which shade you want for your teeth

Ease of Use: can be administrated from the comfort of your home with easy to follow steps

Time Friendly: no waiting lists or drives to the local clinic

Financial Security: the top brands provide warranties or money back guarantees with their products

Does no supply a professional setting

Can be difficult deciding on what is the best option from all the varying brands

As stated, these home its are the Health Base's recommended choice when it comes to dealing with tooth discoloration. Being relatively cheap, super effective, and easy to use, the leading brightening systems are ideally suited to serve as a fluorosis treatment

For full breakdown on our top-rated treatment option, please click on the following image:

Hello, guys, Beth here from theHealthBase with another highly recommended home treatment. There are literally tonnes of teeth whitening options out there so it’s kind of hard trying to separate the quality from the fillers. We hope that we can save you the bother, as well as the inevitable headache, with this review.

The Brand

It is no secret that the teeth whitening industry has exploded in recent times. With technologies and methods that are safer, effective, and affordable, as well a whole host of celebrity endorsements, it’s no surprise that this industry is now valued at $11 billion. Somewhat of a monster!

The massive change that occurred in this niche was the shift of popularity from dental clinics to home kits. In the past, the former was the only reliable option. This was problematic as such clinics are very expensive – ranging from $800 –$1000 for just ONE session. This is doubly significant when you consider that you need regular and consistent visits in order to maintain the benefits.

So, as tends to happen, the niche responded to this above problem. Top health and beauty brands decided to put their resources behind creating super effective at home treatment kits that would negate the need to visit expensive clinics. One such brand is the Billionaire brand.

What Billionaire managed to do was to take the ingredients that are used in dental clinics and combine them with easy to use technology. The result is a super effective product that guarantees results. Ultimately, this is what caught our eye when we set out to find the best possible options available on the market today.

The Reasons We Love This Brand

Trustworthy: all of the products & ingredients are FDA, TGA, and ACCC approved through vigorous clinical trials

Professional Ingredients: the key ingredient is Carbamide Peroxide, the same ingredient used in the top dental clinics

Effective Binding Agents: such agents are necessary to prolong the life of such a product. The scientists at Billionaire have nailed this part

So, there are the overall perks of this home treatment. But who does it suit?

Is This Suitable For Me?

The great aspect about the breakthroughs in modern technology is that the onus has been placed on providing adaptability. The top brands are very conscious about creating products and services that are suitable for everyone.

The Billionaire teeth whitening system is a prime example of this. This product is safe, effective, and easy to use which overall makes it ideal for the vast majority of people. Check below to see exactly what I mean.

Customer Testimonial

How Does It Actually Work?

OK, so now let’s get to the bones of this product with regards to how it actually works and what’s needed on your part to obtain the benefits.

Each kit contains the following:

Teeth whitening gel x 3

LED light device x 1

Customizable mouth trays x 2

Revitalization gel x 1

Gold plated tooth brush x 1

Instruction manual x 1

Below I have outlined the easy to follow steps that are required to get the best out of this home kit.

step one

step two

step three

step four

Step Five

step six

Boil some water and pour it into a bowl. Pick up your first customizable mouth tray by the protruding tab and submerge it into the boiling water. Keep it there for 3 – 5 seconds. This will make the tray malleable. Don’t go too far over 5 seconds as this might damage the tray.

Next, allow your tray to cool for another 5 seconds. Then insert it up and onto your upper teeth. Bite down to properly affix it and also press the front of the tray with your fingers and the back of it with your tongue. This will result in the tray now being perfectly molded to your teeth.

Remove the tray and run it under cold water for 5 - 10 seconds. This will harden and solidify its new form. Clip off the protruding tag with a scissors. Next, repeat Steps 1 - 3 with the second tray except mold it to your bottom teeth this time.

Ensuring that both trays are clean and moisture free, it’s now time to apply the whitening gel. To do this, spread a little of the gel into each tooth indentation located in the trays. There’s no need to use a massive amount – simply place a drop or two in each indentation. Using too much will simply be a waste of the excess.

Place the two trays onto your upper and lower rows of teeth. Give them a soft press with your fingers and tongue in order to ensure they are snug. This will also spread the gel around so that it encompasses the entire surface area of your enamel.

It’s now time to use the LED light device. When you first use it, you’ll have to remove the transparent tab that is located between the batteries and the device. Remove this and replace the batteries in their correct position.

Press the button located on top of the device to activate it. Then place the LED device over the trays. This process should be done for 45 – 60 minutes to get the maximum benefits. Repeat this process once a day for the first week, and then use it once every 2 – 4 weeks.

TOP TIP: People who have very sensitive teeth might experience some discomfort after using this home kit. To treat this, simply place some of the supplied desensitizing gel into the trays and fit them onto your teeth for 30 minutes after your session. There is no need to use the LED light device for this part.

With regards to how this process actually works, it’s quite straightforward. When combined with the LED light, the unique Billionaire whitening gel will start to slowly break down in the trays that are fitted to your teeth. When this happens, the released oxygen and formula will both remove stains and whiten your teeth.

Important Note: It’s recommended that you brush your teeth both before and after using this home kit. This is just to ensure that there’s no obstructions when you are applying the trays, and then that you remove all the whitening gel afterwards.

Product Breakdown

Now, let’s look at the actual kit and breakdown its individual components. A standard kit will include:

Mouth tray x 2

Whitening Gel x 3

lED Light Device x 1

Gold Plated Toothbrush x 1

Two mouth trays are included with every home kit - one each for your upper and lower rows of teeth. These trays are completely malleable and thus can be shaped to fit any arrangement of teeth. A serious issue that can be found with brands is that the trays are only really suited for people with straight or nearly straight teeth. This is not the case with Billionaire's trays as they can comfortably fit upper and lower rows of teeth no matter shape they might be in.

This brightening gel consists of Carbamide Peroxide (18%) and the unique Billionaire dental blend. Ultimately, this is the magic bit of this home kit as the gel is responsible for cleaning and whitening your enamel, thus boosting the overall appearance of your smile. There are three gel packs included with every kit which will result in a total of 15 sessions. You can buy replacements gel packs for an affordable price.

This devices activates the above ingredients via six super strong LED lights. These lights speed up the effect of the gel and can work to brighten your teeth by up to 12 shades. As with all aspects of this treatment, this device is super easy to use - simply insert batteries; press the ON button; and gently press the LED lights to the trays in your mouth.

This is more of a novelty addition and is certainly not necessary for the brightening process. However, in saying this, I actually really like its inclusion! It rounds of the whole kit nicely and gives it a personal touch. Simply put, this item is an Italian-made toothbrush that is gold-plated in design. Also, it’s been created to be a top-grade toothbrush as the perfectly round bristles and angled head result in a perfect implement for cleaning teeth. Pretty cool!

Other Additions:

Revitalization Gel x 1: this is a great addition for anyone who suffers from severely sensitive teeth. It’s very rare that the brightening gel will cause any issues due to the fact that it’s been created to be orally friendly. However, if you do find that your gums are being irritated, then simply use this revitalization gel when you’re done and the issue will be solved.

Instruction Manual x 1: always worth having a look at the instruction manual before you begin using your home kit. These manuals are included with products for good reason!

Special Offer – the Best Friend’s Pack

This is a great offer that the Billionaire brand are currently running and is something that I’d highly recommend.

The “Best Friend’s Pack” is essentially where you get two full home kits for a greatly reduced price – this reduction being that the second kit will be 50% off.

This is a great offer if you and a friend/loved one are buying such a kit, or indeed if you are looking to use this product for the long term.

Having a spare LED light device; trays; and plenty of whitening gel is definitely a positive aspect.

Also, it’s worth noting that in time you will need to buy new whitening gel packs or replace your trays/LED lights. So, again, this is where the Best Friend’s Starter pack can really save you quite a bit of money.

This brings me nicely to…

Discount Code & Money Back Guarantee

Discount Code: We are delighted to announce that we’ve teamed up with the Billionaire brand to supply our Health Base community with a significant discount when purchasing one of these kits.

To avail of this offer, simply enter in the following code when it comes time to make your purchase – THEHEALTHBASE2018.

Money Back Guarantee: Billionaire offer a 30-Day full money refund with their products. This means that you can try out this home kit for just under four weeks without any financial risk as you know you can always return the product for a full refund.

Are There Any Side Effects?

The brilliant thing about this product is that it avoids many of the pitfalls that curse other such home treatments. These pitfalls include trays that don’t quite fit properly; ineffective brightening gels; or products that irritate teeth and gums.

The Billionaire home kit does not suffer from any of these above side effects.

If you read the reviews and testimonials that can be found online, then you’ll soon see that this product is renowned for being not only effective, but also super friendly and safe to the human mouth.

It is worth noting some logical points that you should follow in conjunction with using such a home treatment. They are as follows:

Always brush your teeth & rinse out your mouth afterwards

Try to only use high quality, soft bristle toothbrushes

In the immediate aftermath of using this kit, refrain from eating/drinking items that are overly cold, hot, or spicy

Real Users - Before & After Pics

FAQs

Q. What are the usual results?

A. You can expect to see brighter enamel in the first 7 days, and up to 12 shades difference in just 2 – 3 months.

Q. How long will the results last for?

A. Indefinitely if you use this treatment regularly though this will depend on your lifestyle and dietary habits.

Q. How often should I use one of these home kits?

A. In the beginning use it once a day for the first week. Then you can scale it back to once every 2 – 4 weeks.This will ensure that your new dazzling smile stays perfect.

Q. When can I expect to receive my home kit?

Q. Can I use this if pregnant?

A. It has not yet been tested for such cases so we recommend not to use it if you are in or are entering a period of pregnancy.

Our Overall Verdict

That brings an end to my review of this home treatment kit. For me, Billionaire have managed to create one of the top whitening kits available on the market today. I’ve summarized below in bullet points why I think this is the case:

Recap of the Benefits

Noticeable difference after just one session

Dental clinic standard ingredients

FDA approved treatment

Vegan friendly

30-Day full money back guarantee

Targets the complete surface area of enamel

Whiteness can be increased up to 12 shades

Stellar reputation in the market place

My personal verdict: I personally think that combining the Best Friend’s Starter Pack with the discount code (THEHEALTHBASE2018) is by far the most cost-effective approach. By combining these two offers, you double the amount of discount you get which ultimately results in you receiving a tonne of quality product for a relatively cheap fee.

Of course, deals and discounts come and go so be sure to avail of these two before Billionaire change their mind!

Hello, Beth here from theHealthBase team with another fully comprehensive guide on a matter that is very much at the fore in the health and beauty industry – this matter being the topic of teeth whitening.

There has been an exponential rise in products related to this niche over the past number years, with numerous brands aiming to take advantage as the popular feeling reaches its zenith.

In this guide, I will address and discuss all the important material that pertains to this topic. This will include all the top methods; an in depth look at the actual process and how it works; the key benefits; some notable warnings; and which brands supply the best at home teeth whitening kits.

OK, so that’s the gist of what this piece is about. Before I begin, please note that you can skip ahead to any specific part of my guide by clicking on the relevant link supplied in the table of contents below. Let’s jump straight in, shall we

What this Method Entails

Believe it or not, but the act of teeth brightening is not a new trend. A lot of people believe that it’s something that has just recently been adopted by modern societies.

Well, a lot of people are wrong 🙂

Though, it does make sense that people would believe this. After all, the top brands and professional services use the latest technology in their products so it’s not surprising that many people think it’s a modern health and beauty invention.

However, as is the case with pretty much everything in the world today, tooth bleaching can be traced back to the Ancient Civilizations that used to rule this world. There is evidence that the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians all experimented with different methods of enhancing the color of their teeth.

For example, it’s established that the Romans, the guys who took over the vast majority of the planet, used to mix goat’s milk and human urine in an attempt to achieve a lighter tone. Pretty disgusting, unbelievably unsanitary, and quite probably lacking in terms of results, but it does go to prove how far back this health and beauty technique goes.

In terms of what exactly this is process is, it’s quite simple. By using natural or man-made agents, or a combination of both, stains and discolorations can be removed from your teeth. These unwanted blemishes cover the natural, white color that is meant to seen.

In addition, this method is then designed to boost the whiteness to whatever level you would prefer. By achieving these two steps, it is then very possible to return our smiles to their brilliant best.

Whitening & Bleaching - the Difference

Technically speaking, these two processes are actually classed as being different in nature. To clarify, take a look at how the FDA differentiate between the two:

“Teeth whitening is any method or technique that causes the restoration of a tooth’s natural color, while bleaching pertains to a process that whitens the teeth beyond their natural color.”

So, in other words, whitening revolves around removing stains and discolorations on the teeth’s surface with the aim of returning them to their natural shade. Bleaching takes this process to the next level by actively turning the shade of color even whiter. This will of course also remove any stains.

I’ve taken the time to make this distinction clear because many of the top brands pay no heed to this difference – they use the terms “whitening”, “lightening”, “brightening”, and “bleaching” interchangeably, all which means the process of making a person’s teeth as white as they want.

The only time where the difference between whitening and bleaching comes into question is if you were visiting a dental clinic. In such a setting the former would mean cleansing your teeth, while the latter would mean turning the shade of color an unnatural tone.

For the purpose of this guide, I’ll follow these brand’s lead, sod so you can take it that all the above terms mean the same thing. This is so you can get used to the terminology when it comes time to purchasing your own treatment method.

Now let’s next look a little closer at our teeth and how exactly they reach the point where they need to be treated.

What is a Tooth?

The structure of our tooth is more complex than perhaps you might believe. As is the case with the human body, there is so much more going on beneath the surface than the eye can perceive.

The visible part of a tooth is known as the outer layer or, more commonly, the enamel. The enamel is the key part when it comes to whitening. Underneath this outer layer lies the dentin and then the pulp. The pulp is where the blood and nutrients can be found and also where waste is removed.

But, for now, let’s focus on the enamel. As time passes, the enamel on any given tooth can start to change in color. This can happen for a variety of reasons – dietary habits; poor oral hygiene; aging; hormonal changes; excessive caffeine; smoking; excessive brushing; elemental factors; et cetera et cetera.

The bottom line is that your teeth will start to lose their white glow and discoloration will start to appear. Now, for the most part this isn’t a health concern, but it is something that most people aren’t fond of. Understandably so.

Generally, people want to have bright, healthy looking teeth so that they can beam a smile at people. There are a multitude of reasons for this, below I’ve outlined some of the better ones.

The Reasons Behind the Popularity

Possessing a beautiful, white smile is something that we all want. This desire therefore inevitably leads to a rise in methods and techniques that can help.

In this section, I am going to go through some of the reasons where this popularity stems from. There are actually quite a few of these reasons, varying from simply aesthetics to key oral health issues.

As I researched this area and waded through all the online sources, I noticed that the same few benefits and positive aspects came cropping up. Whether it be from clinical studies, the promotional material supplied by the top brands, or customer testimonials and reviews, it was universally agreed that teeth whitening resulted in the following occurrences:

1 – Attractiveness

OK, let’s get the obvious one out of the way! You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to realize that the better your smile is, the more attention you will receive from the opposite sex.

Don’t believe me? Have a think about it. I bet it won’t take you long to remember a guy or gal who caught your eye because of their beaming smile.

It’s OK to admit it 😉

Having such a smile is massively beneficial for a whole host of social reasons. Whether it be on a date, at a wedding, or at some other social function, if you have a healthy, sparkling smile then I guarantee you’ll attract more positive attention than negative. It’s human nature to be drawn to something that is pleasing on the eye!

This will then inevitably lead to your…

2 – Confidence Being Boosted

If you know that you possess a charming smile, then it cannot help but make you feel better about yourself. This is only logical.

I know that this is true from personal experience. In my twenties, I used to be quite self-conscious about my teeth. I used to be a coffee addict and my drink of choice was red wine – two things that are guaranteed to stain teeth.

It got to the point where I’d reflexively raise a hand to my mouth if I was about to smile. As you can imagine, this was an incredibly insecure and unhealthy way to be! A smile should be the exact of this – it should be a thing of confidence and happiness.

This all changed when I got my teeth lightened. I instantly felt so much more confident in my smile. This alone was enough of a reason to take the steps to brighten my smile.

3 – Oral Health

When it comes to irritating pain, there’s very little that beats a tooth ache, or issues in your gums. It can be maddening. Having poor oral hygiene is a sure fire way of one or both of these problems occurring.

While bleaching your teeth will not guarantee that you have a healthy mouth, it certainly will make you more conscious about your oral region.

It’s like buying a new pair of shoes – you’ll do your absolute best to keep them looking as new for as long as possible!!

The same thing can be said for when you get your teeth cleaned or lightened. You’ll be aware of how good your teeth look and feel and therefore you will no doubt take more care in cleaning and maintaining them. This will then lead to good oral hygiene.

4 – Mental Health

This one is a bit abstract but it’s still worth noting. It goes back to the whole idea that if you possess a healthy, glowing smile then you’ll feel more confident and generally better about yourself.

This will result in you having a positive outlook on life, something that is absolutely vital for mental health.

Now, of course, I’m not saying that a good smile is the key to a happy life, that would be bizarre!! But it certainly can contribute to your overall self-image which is indeed an important factor of being happy.

5 – Helps with Relationships

I’m sure that you’re well aware of the idea that smiles are contagious. This is something that is very true. It’s quite difficult being around someone who is smiling and not have it effect you in a positive way.

We all know that person who constantly has a smile on their lips, a smile that is beaming in appearance. These kind of people are those who we all want to be around. Why? Well, it’s simple, smiles are an expression of joy and positivity. Therefore, it’s only natural that people are attracted to an easy-to-smile individual.

Another great thing about smiles is that they boost trustfulness! A person who is quick to smile often causes people around them to relax and to trust them. This is the phenomenon that is known as “charm”

6 – Increased Professionalism

This is one that not many people might think of, but it actually makes a lot of sense.

It ties back in with the previously mentioned idea that a great smile will boost confidence, boost attractiveness, and make you more likable and trustworthy.

Think about it, if you walk into an interview and begin the process with a solid handshake and a great smile, then you’re onto a winner from the get go!

Of course, it won’t guarantee that you get the job, but it will certainly help your chances.

Just like a dazzling smile can cause you to be attracted to someone, it can also make you stick in someone’s mind. Someone such as a potential new employer for example. Subconsciously, that’s why they will remember you. After all, every little bit helps

7 – Removal of Stains

There are a whole host of different stain types that can ruin our smiles. Three of the worst culprits are caffeine, red wine, and smoking. Unfortunately, I’m a bit of a sucker for two of these!!

I often rely on caffeine to get me through the day, just as I often love a glass of red wine every now and again to unwind! Now, there’s not wrong with these two vices as long as they are enjoyed in moderation.

However, even when consumed in moderation, caffeine, red wine, and smoking can badly stain our teeth, leaving yellow or brown marks. This is obviously not what anybody wants and thus many people turn to proven solutions in order to remove any stains.

Fortunately, with modern techniques, such stains can indeed be removed quite easily.

8 – Removal of White Spots

White spots on teeth is quite a common occurrence, both in children and adults. The technical term for this is dental fluorosis.

There are many reasons why this might occur, including a calcium build up; braces; poor oral hygiene; eating acidic/sugary food; or even brushing too hard. (1)

Whatever the underlying problem may be, brightening your teeth in an overall sense will result in the white spots fading into non-existence.

Important Note: it’s key that you understand that teeth bleaching is not a one cure fix all kind of deal. There are certain issues of the oral area that will not be cured by this method. I’ve given a list below of such things.

Enamel Erosion

Plaque & Tartar Build Up

Dead Teeth

Exclamation Circle

Damage from Excessive Brushing

If you think that you have any of these then the best bet is to make an appointment with your dentist.

Top Dental Life Hacks

In addition to the lightening methods and top tips that I’ll cover in the guide, there are also a few handy life hacks that you can add into your daily routine. These hacks won’t suddenly give you that perfect smile that you want, but, as they say, every little helps!

The majority of these hacks revolve around applying common sense, but there are also a few I’ll mention that people in general don’t consider. Hopefully there will be a hack or two that will improve your own dental well-being.

Let’s jump straight in!

Hack #1 – Change Up Your Toothbrush Regularly

This beginning hack is something that is very logical and obvious but is also one that goes under the radar somewhat. Many people do not change their toothbrushes on a regular basis, and only do so as a kind of an after-thought. I’m also guilty of doing this so don’t feel do bad!!

The reason for being conscious about upgrading your toothbrush is pretty straightforward. A toothbrushes sole job is to clean undesirable elements from your mouth. It’s essentially a cleaning implement which means that it will get dirty and damaged after continuous use.

There are some clear signs that you brush needs to be replaced ASAP. They are:

Bristles have started to dull in color

Bristles are no longer rigid but rather are sticking out at odd angles

In addition to the above visual cues, it’s a good idea to change your toothbrush every six months regardless. Remember, this tool is used to clean your mouth on a daily basis so it’s important that the tool itself is clean and workable.

Hack #2 – Don’t Just Brush Your Teeth...Hit the Tongue as well!

This is a hack that not only do the majority of people don’t do or understand, they also laugh at the very idea of it!

This is an understandable reaction though there is actually a good reason why brushing your tongue can be beneficial for your oral health.

A person’s mouth is home to various types of bacteria which feeds off the food that you consume. While you may chew and swallow food, there will always be bits and pieces that remain in your mouth.

The aforementioned bacteria, which dwells on the tongue, can then dine on this residue food. This can then lead to this bacteria growing in volume which can result in stains occurring as your tongue comes in contact with your teeth. Not good.

So, to avoid this problematic build up, why not give your tongue a quick up and down to finish off your brushing session! It’ll take all of five seconds

Hack #3 – Using Whitening Toothpaste

If you are hell bent on boosting the color of your teeth, then such a product as this could be well worth adding to whatever whitening method you’ve chosen to go for.

I’ll admit, these toothpastes can be a bit gimmicky – they won’t have a major effect on lightening the tone of your teeth, but they could supply you that extra little oomph as long as you’re also using a top quality treatment.

There are two things to look out for if you’re thinking of buying these special toothpastes:

Make sure that the product has been accredited by the ADA (American Dental Association). There are tons of dodgy products out there, an ADA seal at least proves that the product in question has been found to be safe

Check that the toothpaste contains the ingredient covarine or hydrogen peroxide. (2) These particular chemicals are the component that will actually whiten your teeth. If absent, then the chances are that the results will be absent as well. Some companies swap the covarine or peroxide with inferior options in order to cut costs so keep an eye out for this

Ultimately, such toothpastes won’t have a dramatic impact on the color of your teeth. However, they can indeed prevent stains from getting worse.

Warning Note: There has been reports that over using such toothpastes can lead to a stripping of tooth enamel so keep this mind. Perhaps it’s best to use such products in a cyclical manner, taking breaks often.

Hack #4 – Eating Raw Foods

Consuming raw foods such as vegetables, fruits, and nuts are a brilliantly natural way of cleaning your teeth. The trick is in the rawness and the crunchy texture that is present in some foods.

Crunchy, raw food works to cleanse your teeth of things that have stuck to them over time. This is just another reason why you should be eating healthy!!

Hack #5 – Using Mouth Wash

A top-quality mouth wash has many benefits when it comes to maintaining and improving upon your oral hygiene. Below are the key ones:

Helps to breakdown and remove bacteria that builds up on our tongues and in our mouths in general

Great at freshening up a person’s breath – this is something that people tend to ignore until they are actually told that their breath stinks!!

Can actively prevent teeth decaying

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Hack #6 – Rinse, Rinse, Rinse!

Quickly rinsing your mouth after a meal is a great way of removing some of the stuff that can build up on our teeth. Such residue will then lead to stains, plaque, or tartar if not removed.

This is especially important if you have consumed something that is exceptionally acidic in nature. Fruits, sweets, juices, or fizzy drinks are the main culprits in this as they are packed full of sugary elements. (3)

Such acidic foods can actively damage your teeth. Giving your mouth a quick rinse is a great way of stalling this damage until you can have a good brush.

Important Note: All of these dental hacks can be effective in their own way, but it’s vital to understand that they should be viewed as additions to a quality treatment and not as a full treatment option in their own right.

Delivery Styles – the Different Options

When it comes to the delivery styles there are actually quite a number of different methods available. Because of the popularity of teeth lightening in recent times, there has been an industry wide clamor for new and improved options.

This is the case with every hot health and beauty product or treatment – the top brands pump money and effort into creating an option that will see them skyrocket to the top of the market. (4) For us consumers, this is all good as can be seen below via a simple yet spot on equation:

Now, for the sake of applying some organization and structure to all the brightening products and treatment options that are around today, I’ve decided to split them into four broad groups – the top over the counter options; professional dentist services; DIY options; and at home treatment kits.

Each of these four have their own varying options as well, as you will soon see. Let’s jump straight in. Up first it the…

Over the Counter

(Average Cost: $100 – $150+)

This particular option revolves around products that you can buy in chemists - products that you do not need a prescription for. This option can be further broken up into two separate categories: Brightening Dentifrices and Bleaching Agents - click on the relevant tans below for more.

1 – Brightening Dentifrices

This option is simply a paste or gel like substance that you rub onto your teeth. Such a product is often created to resemble toothpaste, sometimes even possessing that minty flavor.

These pastes have been designed to be rubbed into your teeth in circular motions, this movement activates the cleansing agent which will help to clean and whiten your teeth by breaking down and removing stains.

As you can probably guess, this option is very similar to the act of brushing one’s teeth, except that it’s been designed to be more effective in combating stains and discoloration. As with toothpaste, once you have finished thoroughly brushing the paste/gel into your teeth, you then simply spit it into the basin.

2 – Bleaching Agents

This option is a more aggressive version of the brightening dentifrices. This is because these bleaching agents contain carbamide peroxide as their key ingredient. This chemical, when introduced into the mouth, transforms into hydrogen peroxide and urea.

These two agents will then work to bleach the teeth which will obviously result in that white look that we all crave. This will work on teeth that are stained as well as those that are already of a whitish color.

When it comes to the physical makeup of bleaching agents, they usually come in the form of bleaching trays or else strips. The trays are designed to be filled with the bleaching agent and then fitted snugly around the teeth. The strips on the other hand are applied directly to your teeth.

These trays and strips commonly come in two different variations:

- High Concentration: this is the stronger of the two, usually containing more peroxide solution, and are of the tray variety. These trays should be placed on your teeth for a shorter period of time. 10 – 20 minutes will suffice, but make sure you check the instruction manual to be sure

- Low Concentration: usually found in strip form, this is the milder of the two choices. The bleach infused strip is placed on your teeth and is left in place for several hours at a time. This is often the preferred option as you can go about your daily business with these strips in place.

All in all, bleaching agents are in general far more effective than brightening dentifrices with the latter been very much a mild option. However, even though its more effective, there are downsides with using bleaching agents as I’ve noted in the con section below.

Other Common Over the Counter Options

Whitening Tooth Paste – these are simply just normal toothpastes that contain some bleaching chemicals as well. These types of pastes will only be effective on very minor staining and will need to be used continuously to be effective.

Positives:

Usually quite cheap

Very easy to administer

Negatives:

No dramatic results

Continuous usage required

Can irritate gums & enamel

Only effective if used with other lightening options

Mouth Rinses -These rinses usually contain hydrogen peroxide which has a brightening effect. Gargling with such a rinse before and after brushing can help remove stains.

Positives:

Easy to use

Cheap in cost

Negatives:

Minimal overall effect

Caffeine, wine, & chocolate can diminish the effect

Chewing Gums - More of a fad than an actual option in my opinion. Some health brands have created these gums that contain a compound known as sodium hexametaphosphate. This agent actually combats stains from appearing in the first place.

Though, in all honesty, you would want to be chewing this gum 24/7, 7 days a week for it to have any real impact on your teeth. My opinion would be to give this option a miss!!

Pros & Cons of Over the Counter Options

Pros:

Availability: can buy them at will from your local chemist/pharmacy

Cost:relatively cheap when compared with a visit to a professional dental service

Options: can avail of the pastes, gels, trays or strips, so it gives you plenty of options in which to cycle through

Cons:

Time consuming: the pastes, gels, and strips are very easy in which to apply and should only take a few minutes. However, the bleaching trays, which are seen as the most effective of the over the counter choices, are actually quite time consuming and frustrating in which to use. The whole process of applying such a tray could take half an hour. Then you have to stay pretty much perfectly still for 10 – 15 minutes as it works. Not great.

Questionable effectiveness:many of the brightening dentifrices have been proven to be ineffective, or certainly not as effective as other options

Time length: these are more of a long-term option, it could take weeks even months of use to see results

Which to Use: if you have your heart set on trying an over the counter option, then there’s a few things that you need to keep in mind in order to make the right choice. I’ve outlined them below:

Severity of your problem: If you only have slightly yellowing or discoloration from foods and perhaps caffeine, then I would recommend you try a paste/gel. Using a bleaching option for only minor to mild staining is overkill!

Check for accreditation: this is quite simple – if an over the counter product does not have a FDA-approved seal on its container, then don’t buy it!!

Products that do not have this seal have not been deemed safe and effective, or both. Therefore, using such products could at the very least be a waste of time and money, but at the worst could lead to severe damage to your teeth. (5)

Our Overall Verdict on Over the Counter Options

​if I was asked to sum up over the counter options in one sentence then it would go like this: frustratingly hit and miss!!

Pastes and gels are very mild products so don’t expect to see a great deal of success with them. They might indeed remove some minor staining, but they won’t supply that overall bright, white smile that we’re looking for.

Bleaching is more effective at boosting whiteness and removing stains, but it can also cause damage to both the gums and the enamel.

Ultimately, the over the counter options are quite tricky when it comes to finding one that is reliable and cost effective. If you intend to follow this route, then the best advice I can give you is to do some thorough research into the multitude of options that are available.

Only by reading the available information as well as customer reviews and testimonials will you have a chance of finding an over the counter product that will be worth the cost.

Professional Dental Service

(Average Cost: $700 – $1000+)

As you can imagine, visiting a professional dental clinic is a sure-fire way of getting a proper job done. These facilities have been specifically designed to do just this. In addition, they are operated by full time professionals who know exactly what they are doing. Safe hands and all that.

In terms of the actual service itself, it usually consists of a more concentrated and better version of the bleaching option outlined in the above section, or else laser treatment. A standard session in one of these clinics will take up to an hour, not including the travel time or waiting time. Outlined below are the top options.

1 – Bleaching Trays

Very similar to the over the counter variety in terms of application and physical makeup, but the professional trays are far more effective. A large reason behind this is because the professional dental clinics are allowed use a better-quality bleaching agent than the type available in over the counter products.

Due to this much stronger bleaching element, a professional individual really does need to be one the applying it to your teeth. To emphasis this, an over the counter product will contain between 3 – 7% of hydrogen peroxide, while a professional clinic's bleaching agent will contain between 15 – 45%. This is quite a jump, especially when dealing with a potentially damaging agent!

How it’s Administrated:

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Your dentist creates a mold that is custom fitted to your teeth alignment

This mold is then used to create the tray. These trays resemble sports mouth-guards

The tray is filled with a high quality, fast acting bleaching gel. Dentists often include desensitizing agents and Calcium-Phosphate to make the whole experience more comfortable as well as more effective

The tray is fitted to your teeth for an exact amount of time. During this period, you are required to stay as still as possible

The tray is removed, and your mouth is rinsed out

2 – Laser Treatment

This option can only be found in professional clinics due to the machinery that is needed, i.e. the laser itself.

Normally, the heat of the laser is used to greatly increase the effectiveness and speed of the bleaching gel that has been applied to your teeth.

How it’s Administrated:

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Your dentist will place a layer of high quality bleach directly onto your teeth via a swab or brushing implement

The soft tissue located in your mouth is often also covered in a substance. This substance, often beeswax or something similar, is applied so as to protect you from the strong bleaching element

The laser will then be used to heat this gel which will greatly expedite the whole process. Also, because these lasers are so accurate, common bleaching issues like inflamed gums or damage to the enamel are mostly negated

Once finished, you will rinse the bleaching agent and protective substance from your mouth

Pros & Cons of the a Professional Service

Pros:

Safety:the knowledge that you are being treated by professionals

Effective: professional equipment and people tend to result in an effective experience

A day out:some people enjoy such sessions as they treat it as a period of being pampered!

Cons:​

Expensive:costly compared to the other options, especially if availing of laser treatment (6)

Effort: cannot be performed from comfort of your home as you would have to physically visit a dental clinic

Waiting:could potentially find yourself placed on a waiting list. Therefore you cannot do it whenever you like

Time Consuming: there are several steps involved, each which can take up a fair chunk of your time. These include travel time, waiting time in the clinic, and then the actual treatment duration. This could very well mean that one session could take up your entire day or at least a large junk of it

Our Overall Verdict on Professional Services

Without doubt a visit to a professional dental clinic is right up there as one of the top options. The professional care given will guarantee results. This ultimately supplies a far more efficient and safer whitening/cleansing experience. Results will be achieved at a far quicker rate as well.

Though, in saying this, these sessions are quite time consuming and costly. Visiting a doctor in general can be both these things, but going for a specialist reason definitely amps up the price unfortunately. On top of this, it usually takes a few visits in which to achieve the desired results. This obviously means that the cost can quickly become quite high.

If you have the cash, and the time, then this definitely a worthwhile option. It could also be a very good idea to treat yourself to one of these sessions every now and again in-conjunction with using a top quality at home treatment kit. This would be a very effective teeth brightening routine that would dramatically cut the cost when compared to regular visits to a professional clinic.

The DIY Choice

(Average Cost: Free - $20+)

As with every health and beauty niche and topic, there comes attached a whole host of varying DIY options. (7)

This makes sense as everything would have once started with using just purely natural ingredients, then evolved as machinery and science got involved.

The same can be seen with teeth whitening – there are numerous DIY options that have been used over the years.

Before I list some of the more prominent ones, it’s important to note that these DIY options are nowhere near as effective as visiting a professional clinic or using a top home treatment system.

Why? Simply because the two above mentioned methods have taken the positive impact of natural DIY choices and improved upon them by incorporating scientific and manmade elements.

Below are some of the more common DIY options that people try:

Baking Soda Mixed with Lemon Juice

Baking soda is a very powerful cleansing agent. Otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, this is a mild alkaline compound that is grainy in texture.

It can be applied directly to your teeth and is effective at removing minor/weak stains. (8)

In addition, lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that is mild in strength. When added to the baking soda, it gives an extra brightening impact to the whole process.

It must be noted that lemon juice can cause damage to the enamel of your teeth if used in improper fashion, so caution is advised.

How to Use:

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Place 3 – 5 tablespoons of baking soda into a dish/container along with a few drops of lemon juice. Mix them until they become a consistent paste

Using a face cloth or paper towel, gently dry your teeth by blotting or rubbing. This will remove any saliva that might act as a barrier to the soon to be applied paste

Place an economical amount of the paste onto your tooth brush and gently rub it into your teeth in circular motions

Allow the paste to dry on your teeth for a minute and then rinse off

Oil Pulling

This is a newish DIY method that people are trying as a cheap alternative. I say newish, but it’s really more accurate to say that it’s having a resurgence in popularity. There is evidence that shows that oil pulling was a remedy used by the Ancient Indian civilizations as far back as 3,000 years ago.

Essentially what happens with this method is that you swish around a certain substance in your mouth which works to draw out toxins and impurities in your mouth and from your teeth. You then spit and rinse these unhealthy elements from your mouth.

A common substance used for oil pulling is coconut oil because of its powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal elements.

How to Use:

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Place a tablespoon of coconut oil into your mouth and swish it around as you would do with mouthwash. Do not swallow

Swish around the oil in your mouth for between 3 – 5 minutes in the beginning. Over time you can increase this to 15 – 20 minutes for a more effective cleanse

When finished swishing, spit out the oil into a basin and give your teeth a thorough brushing

Strawberries Mixed with Salt & Baking Soda

This is a strange mixture but one that has been proven to work to a certain degree. The salt is very gritty which helps with the cleansing. The strawberries contain vitamin C which is always a healthy addition and works as a great brightening agent for this process.

Vitamin C also contains something called malic acid which is an enzyme that can help in the removal of minor stains. The salt will also help to convert the strawberry pulp into a paste like substance. I’ve already explained the benefits of baking soda.

​All in all, this mixture works to breakdown certain things like plaque and tartar that can stain or block the whiteness of our teeth.

How to Use:

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Wash the strawberries to remove any potential impurities and then mash them into a pulp

Add a bit of salt to the pulp as a well as a teaspoon of baking soda. A pinch of salt will be enough

Using a towel or cloth, dab your teeth until they are dry and free of saliva

Apply the paste to your teeth with your tooth brush. Do this for five minutes and then spit and rinse out your mouth

Basil

This herb in general is very good for the human body and usually comes in essential oil form. Being a natural astringent agent, basil strengthens your gums; prevents bad breath; and can help remove plaque and tartar that has built up.

While it can aid in boosting the tone of your teeth, basil can also help in the prevention of such issues like pyorrhea and irritated gums.

How to use:

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You can use basil essential oil or the actual leaves. For the latter, gather some basil leaves and leave them in a dry location so they can dry out

Once the leaves are suitably dry, grind them until they become powder like in consistency

Wipe your teeth clear of saliva with a towel or cloth

Mix some of your toothpaste with the basil powder and brush the resulting paste into your teeth thoroughly

Brush for a few minutes and then spit and rinse

Apple Cider Vinegar

Some people like to add apple cider vinegar to their tooth brushing routine. This element is acidic in nature and potentially could remove stains. Be wary though when using apple cider vinegar as in general it is very harsh when it comes in contact with the human body. It could very likely burn your gums or the soft tissue of the mouth. (9)

The Peels of Fruit

Such fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, or bananas can be used to clean your teeth. Simply remove the fruit from the peel and gently rub the inside of the peel along your teeth. However, this method will be limited in terms of effectiveness.

Overalls Pros & Cons of the DIY Choice

Pros:

Relatively cheap, even possibly free!

Multitude of options so you can constantly be trying new methods

Cons:

Risk of danger: enamel can possibly be strippedaway and/or irritating gums and the soft tissue of the mouth can occur

Frustration: nothing worse than putting in considerable time and energy put in and then no results

The Unknown Factor: can never really know if you’re doing it correctly; even if your teeth are turning brighter, you could be causing more harm than good

Ineffective Results: some DIY options can be somewhat effective, but it would be wrong to think that they could achieve the results of the other options

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Our Overall Verdict on the DIY Option

In all honesty, DIY options won't deliver massive results. They might help with some minor staining or plague/tartar build up, but they’re not going to supply dramatic results in your efforts to boost the whiteness of your teeth.

In saying this, using a few DIY options in conjunction with some better methods is indeed a worthwhile venture. Having as many tools in your toolbox as possible is certainly not a bad idea.

At Home Treatment Kits

(The Health Base's Recommended Option)

(Average Cost: $50 - $100+)

OK so now let’s turn to the last option and the one that we here at the Health Base believe is the best – this being the top home treatment systems that are available on the market today.

Why do we think this is the best option?

Simply put, because we believe these kits incorporate the best elements of the professional clinics, the DIY choices, and over the counter options, while at the same time nullifying the negative parts of these other methods.

This can be seen below:

Cost – far less expensive than regular visits to professional clinics

Effectiveness – far more effective than DIY or over the counter options while being on par with a professional service

Reliability – results are guaranteed, which is not something DIY or over the counter methods can boast

Ease of Use – unlike professional clinics, these kits can be used in the comfort of your own home. They have been designed to be simple to use

Safety – the top home systems put an emphasis on safety, something that can go awry with DIY options or over the counter ones

Guarantees – the top brands supply warranties and money back guarantees with their at home kits. This removes any financial risk and is something that professional clinics do not provide

As with the other methods I’ve mentioned in this guide, home kits also come in different forms. The best brands all have slightly different ways of providing a top quality product, with each having their own pros and cons.

In general, home treatment kits come in the form of a hydrogen peroxide solution combined with a device that emits light/heat. This light/heat works to increase the effectiveness and speed of the bleaching session by activating the hydrogen peroxide solution.

Below are the top methods that these brands tend to go for.

1 – The Custom Tray & Blue Light Combination

This essentially is a combination of the two methods that you could avail of if you were going to book in for a professional visit – a custom fitted mouthpiece enhanced by a heat source. This method is very popular in the market today, as is evident by some of the top brands using this combination.

Let’s look at the two unique components of this option:

The Custom Trays: the great thing about these trays is the custom ability aspect. This means that you can fit the tray exactly to the shape of your mouth which will ensure that all your teeth will be targeted and there won’t be any gaps or bits missing.

In terms of how it works, the first thing to do is to place the malleable mold onto your teeth. Make sure that it is very snug. Next, immediately place the mold into a bowl of hot water for 5 – 10 minutes. This will result in the mold setting and thus morphing into your new custom tray.

Next, to begin your session, pour some of the supplied solution into the tray. This solution usually consists of carbamide peroxide which will then transform into hydrogen peroxide when exposed to the saliva in your mouth.

With regards to how much solution to use and how long to leave the tray in your mouth for, all of these details will be supplied in the home system’s user guidelines.

The Blue Light: This particular element comes in a few different forms. Some brands supply it build into the mouthpiece/tray or have it as a separate piece that attaches itself or is used in conjunction with the custom tray.

With regards to what this light does, it essentially increases the effectiveness of the solution that has been placed into the tray. This will result in the strength of the whitening solution being boosted dramatically. This obviously then makes the whole process quicker as well as supplying a more thorough experience.

Key Positives:

Allows you to target your upper or lower teeth

Much cheaper than professional dental clinics

Works far quicker than any other method with results usually seen within 10 – 14 days

Suitable for all teeth types, even sensitive ones

2 – Bleaching Pens & Gel Brushes

This is another popular option that many brands side with when it comes to creating their unique product. There’s no real difference between this and the tray & blue light combo – they are both very effective at removing stains and lightening the tone of your teeth.

Bleaching Pens – This product is pretty much exactly what it sounds like; a device that is shaped like a pen. The whitening solution is either already located in the tip of the pen, or it needs to be rubbed onto the tip. It’s then a simple task of rubbing the pen across the surface of your teeth.

Gel Brushes – Very similar to the pen option except this looks like a small paint brush. Again, it’s simply a case of applying some of the bleaching solution to the brush and “painting” your teeth with it.

Key Positives:

100% Control: because of the precise nature of this method, it means you can whiten all your teeth or just certain areas. The pen and brush allow for preciseness

No Waiting Time: once you apply the whitening serum, there is no need to spit and rinse or to wait for the solution to dry. You can instantly get on with your day

Ease of Use: definitely one of the simplest and user-friendly methods that is out there

Top Tip:If you are looking to whiten your teeth in an overall sense, then ensure that you use your pen/brush to get in between every tooth. Otherwise you might still be left with stains and discolorations in the crevices in between each tooth which will ultimately thwart your efforts.

Our Overall Verdict on Home Treatment Kits

Ultimately, the reason why we believe that the home treatment kits are the top choice is because they combine the best elements of the other methods while at the same time minimizing or negating many of the negatives that are associated with these other options.

Warnings

Beware the “Miracle” and/or Cheap Fixes – no matter what health and beauty niche you are interested in, there is going to be “miracle cures” and super cheap options that promise unbelievable results!

It doesn’t take a cynical mind to understand the importance of being wary about such products.

If something is super cheap, or is promising results that border on magical, then you can bet it’s not legit!

These type of scammy products exist because there is a certain amount of people who are gullible enough, or perhaps desperate enough, to be sucked in to the lie…don’t be one of these people!!

A well-established rule in the market place is that you’ll end up getting what you pay for most often than not. Yes, the top products might cost a bit more, but there’s a very good reason for this. That’s because these options are both safe and effective, as proven by the response they receive in the market place. It really is as simple as that.

Feel Your Way In – it can be very easy to go a bit mad when starting a new health and beauty regime. It’s exciting; it’s new; it’s hopefully going to solve a health and/or beauty issue that you’ve been having problems with. Therefore, it’s understandable that you want to jump straight in and begin to see those results ASAP.

However, it is definitely worth keeping in mind that patience and logic is needed if these results are to be reached in a safe manner. Products such as teeth brightening options supply recommended guidelines for a reason – because the brands behind these products have done the necessary scientific and consumer testing in order to pinpoint what is needed to be done to achieve the maximum benefits.

The reasons for adhering to this thinking:

Using too much, too soon can cause damage to your teeth. It only takes a short time for the top brand’s products to start doing their magic but rushing it can upset the whole process

If you overuse such products, then you’ll be wasting it's potential as well as having to resupply at a quicker rate. This is ultimately a waste of your money and time

Celebrity Endorsements – What to Think About Them?

It’s commonly known that there are whole host of A list celebrities that openly advertise different teeth whitening brands and their products.

Should we now trust a certain brand because our favorite celeb is endorsing them?

Are the ones being endorsed by celebrities better than the ones that do not have such backing?

Well, the first thing to note is that the fact some of these brands can hire such A list celebrities to actively promote their product shows just how much cash they are making!! The names I’ve mentioned above are global super stars. This means that they command a hefty fee from potential advertisers.

In my opinion, this is a positive sign. If these brands have that type of cash to burn, then it means they are being successful in the market place. Being successful in the market place indicates that they have top quality products.

What about the trust question? Should we just blindly follow a celebrity’s lead and choose the option that they use? Well no, you shouldn’t blindly follow anyone!! What I would say is that the fact that these type of celebrities are endorsing certain products and systems is overall a positive aspect.

Why? Simply, because these celebs are attaching their name to the product that their showing off on Twitter or on Instagram. This means that their reputation is intertwined somewhat with the brand. If the product turns out to be rubbish or god forbid harmful then the celeb will receive quite a strong negative backlash from their social media followers.

If we were talking about little-known celebrities, then I’d advise caution – such people will often attach their names to any type of product once there is a pay cheque coming their way.

However, as mentioned at the top of this section, the type of celeb associated with the premier brands are pretty massive names with massive reputations.

What does this mean? It means that they are not just randomly selecting products or brands to be endorsed by. These types of celebs have managers and teams of people who carefully select the type of product that best fits their client’s image.

These management agencies are very thorough when it comes to endorsements – they understand that promoting a bad or faulty product could forever stain their client’s reputation.

So, all in all, I think it’s a positive thing that such high-grade celebrities are promoting some of the top brands. If I were you, I certainly wouldn’t base my purchase on this factor, but it is something that ultimately works in the favor of these brands in my opinion.

Is this Process Safe?

As with everything in life, the safety and effectiveness of any given venture really comes down to the user. Personal responsibility is vital in every aspect of life. It’s as simple as that.

If you approach things in a logical and responsible manner, then you will not have problems with this health and beauty technique. You will achieve the desired results without any risk of causing damage to your teeth or the surrounding parts of your mouth.

However, if you are reckless and don’t follow common sense then there’s always the possibility that you can cause damage. Below are some obvious things that you should be avoiding.

Steps that could lead to difficulties:

Buying over the counter products that do not have an FDA seal of approval

Trying DIY remedies without doing proper research into them

Ignoring recommended guidelines

Purchasing and using cheap products that make unbelievable promises

Abusing an effective method

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Avoid these above pitfalls, apply some logical thinking, and you will have no adverse issues

Is it All Just a Fad?

As you can imagine, there is a lot of cynicism and skepticism surrounding this particular issue. Detractors use the following arguments and complaints to belittle enhancing your teeth:

It popularizes a fake Hollywood reality

It’s harmful to our self-image

It pressurizes people to follow suit

The end result looks phony

It’s only a money scheme

They are no health benefits

The above are the common points anti-teeth lightening people roll out whenever the topic pops up. I personally don’t particularly agree with any of these complaints and I think they are a bit OTT.

These detractions could easily be made about any number of beauty techniques. Makeup; tanning; hair styling; beard grooming; you name it. All of these and many more could also be targeted by some of these arguments, if not all of them.

Teeth whitening is no different to any health and beauty technique. It’s designed to boost a person’s appearance to a certain degree, just like makeup or a well-groomed beard will do. Are any of these things absolutely necessary in order to fit into the modern world? Absolutely not!

In my little circle of friends, I’m one of the few people who has had her teeth enhanced. Does this make any real difference? Not that I can see! Every now and again someone might complement me on my smile, but, unsurprisingly, more often than not my whitened teeth are not the main source of conversation

Look, teeth bleaching is a great way to achieve a beautiful, gleaming smile. It’s also very proficient at cleaning your teeth of any stains that might be present. But it is by no means the be and end all of a person’s physical appearance.

If you would like to give it a go then fire ahead, I'd bet you'll be delighted with the results. However, if it's not for you, then that’s also perfectly fine! You should never feel pressurized into adopting a beauty trend that is popular at a certain time. If you do, then you need to take a step back and do some internal pondering.

Top Tips

Get to Grip with the basics

Key an Eye on certain food & Drinks

Smoking...why bother?!

Be Mindful Of The Percentages

Purchase From Reliable Sources

Consult The Instructions

Check For Warranties/Money Back Guarantees

Respect The Pain

Understanding The Limitations

Whenever you are thinking about delving into a new area or niche, it’s a good idea to understand the basics of what you’re getting in for.

With regards to this topic, this can mean the reasons why people get their teeth boosted in color; how the process actually works; and the different methods in which people utilize. Hopefully I have addressed all these issues in this here guide.

In terms of the individual brands and their products, make sure that you take a look at the reviews we’ve created – all the pertinent information will be included.

A leading factor behind stains and discolorations appearing on our teeth is prolonged exposure to some types of food and drink. Now, these items won’t stain our teeth overnight but rather could do so over months and years of regular consumption.

The obvious culprit when it comes to this issue is caffeine. Coffee and other caffeine infused beverages are drunk by the gallon load every hour. In fact, it is estimated that 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed on a daily basis…wow!!

Caffeine can leave yellow or brown stains on our teeth over time as it is quite a harsh agent. Black coffee in particular is guilty of doing this.

Certain food can also replicate the problem of caffeine. Blueberries and foods of an acidic nature are the most prominent such types. Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t eat these food types – you should, they’re good for you – or drink coffee, but there’s no getting away from the fact that they can stain your pearly whites.

Why indeed!! Smoking is one of those habits that is as illogical as it is unhealthy. There really are no benefits to smoking whatsoever while the negatives are not only numerous but also very serious. (10)

When it comes to dental hygiene, smoking has been proven without doubt to not only stain our teeth but to actively kill them as well. That’s not even including the horrific breath that this habit can cause.

Think about it. When you’re smoking you are inhaling smoke that consists of toxic, chemical substances. Your teeth are the first thing that this poisonous cloud will come into contact with, thus taking the brunt of the negative impact.

Therefore, smoking…why bother?!

The majority of options incorporate some sort of bleaching solution. This solution usually contains either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Some of these solutions will be stronger than others, something that is important if you have sensitive teeth.

In saying that, this particular problem is nullified by the leading brands who supply at home treatment systems. These brands have taken the sensitive teeth and gums into account when they were constructing their products.

The same can’t be said for over the counter options so keep the % makeup in mind if you’re going down this route.

This goes without question and indeed is good advice for any type of purchase. You want to know that the brand or company that you’re buying from is reliable; trustworthy; respected; and ethical in their practices.

There are a few ways to determine this:

Brand reputation: doing a quick Google search will supply you with the overall reputation of any given brand

Consumer Reviews: again, Google is the tool to use. Nowadays there are a plethora of online reviews and testimonials regarding most products. Have a quick search and see what the people who have tried your product are saying

Customer Support: it’s also worth your time checking to see if the brand in question has a top customer service option. Usually you’ll never have to deal with such a service, but it’s always nice to have it there just in case you have any queries

By using these three categories you can easily determine if the brand behind the product you’re looking at is top drawer.

This one is straightforward and obvious. Instruction manuals and direction leaflets are included with products so as to help you get the maximum benefits.

These manuals are usually quite easy to follow, especially when it comes to products such as at home teeth whitening kits – these treatments are in general extraordinarily easy to use which is one of their appealing factors.

However, if you do come across a convoluted manual, then YouTube can be a great source in which to find your answers. People are constantly putting up tutorials and reviews. Also, check out the official site of the brand if there is any uncertainty or confusion.

If we here at theHealthBase every decided to adopt a motto or catchphrase of some sort, then you best bet it would include the importance of warranties!! Every guide that we do we make sure to include this.

The reason for this simple – financial security. It’s always difficult to part with hard earned cash, so why not make sure that there is no risk involved with the parting?

This can be achieved by purchasing products that have a warranty or money back guarantee included in the sale. These additions mean that you have a period of time in which you can return the product and regain your money.

So, check with each brand to see what they offer. This is a great way of narrowing down the potential options.

It goes without saying that if you start something new and pain starts kicking in then there’s a problem. Either the method you’re using is wrong/not suitable, or you are using it in an inappropriate manner. Whichever is true, it’s best to immediately stop your treatment until you figure out what the issue is.

When it comes to teeth lightening, the kind of issues that you might encounter usually revolve around gum pain or teeth sensitivity. If you start to feel either of these two then I recommend you give the treatment a rest for a bit and perhaps go see your dentist.

You can also follow these simple rules:

Gum irritation: try not to allow your peroxide solution to touch your gums. The aim is to apply it just to your teeth

Sensitive teeth: reduce the amount of solution if pain is occurring. It might just be that you are using too much

OK I have already mentioned how it is silly to think that any particular method is a one cure fix all kind of deal. This simply isn’t the truth.

There are plenty of oral issues that the products I've mentioned will have little to no effect on. Below are some of the ones:

Plaque and Tartar: these substances will not be fully removed

Dentures & Crowns: these items will not be whitened

However, that’s not to take away from what this treatment method can indeed achieve.

Recap of the Pros

Stain Removal: a top-rated whitener will remove the vast amount of stains and discolorations

Speedy Results: a great aspect about this treatment method is that it is super quick in affecting the color of your teeth. Results can usually be seen within two weeks

Proven Effectiveness: a gleaming white smile is guaranteed if you incorporate the correct product into your routine

Confidence Boosting: if you have more confidence in your physical appearance then you will be more confident as a whole. A healthy, glowing smile is a sure-fire way to achieve this

Smile

Healthier Mouth: it has been proven that teeth whitening can help to boost the overall health of your oral region

Smile

Ease of Use: the best products are incredibly simple to administer as they have been designed to be user friendly

Smile

Completely Safe:once used in an appropriate manner this treatment method is practically risk free

Smile

Cost Effective: ultimately this is what matters: whether or not the product is worth the financial cost that is attached to it. The top ranked at home treatment systems are very cost effective as they deliver results for price that isn’t going to burn a hole in your pocket

The Key FAQs

Q. How to whiten teeth?

A. There are multiple ways and methods from bleaching to using light and heat.

Q. What’s the best way?

A. The safest and most effective option is a top-rated home treatment kit that has been tested and proven to be top grade in the marketplace.

Q. Can I do it at home?

A. There are tons of DIY options, though the results are very up and down. It’s worth experimenting while you look for a proven method.

Q. Is this treatment ultimately safe?

A. If you apply common sense and follow the guidelines supplied then there is no danger. There is of course a big risk associated with DIY methods as these will have no concrete testing attached to them. Also, beware of any over the counter product that does not have an FDA accreditation seal.

Q: When will I see results?

A. This will be dependent on which option you intend to utilize. The top at home treatment systems will start to show results within two weeks of consistent use.

Q. How often should I use this beauty method?

A. Again, you will need to read the instructions to ascertain the answer to this question. Most methods can be used on a daily basis.

Q. Will it hurt?

A. There should be no pain or irritation associated with this process. If there is, then it means the method you are using is aggravating your gums or soft tissue in your mouth. It could even be stripping your teeth of its enamel. This is an ever-present danger with DIY options.

At home treatment kits will not encounter the above problem as they have been refined to do their work without damaging the mouth in any way.

Q. Is it safe to use while pregnant?

A. It is best you make this inquiry with your local health professional. There should be no issues but it’s always best to air on the side of caution.

Our Final Word & Overall Verdict

I hope that you found this guide helpful and informative. I feel that I’ve touched upon all the important elements surrounding this particular niche. However, if you think I have missed something, then please feel free to drop me a message in the form provided below.

As you can see in the guide, there are tons of different methods and options when it comes to improving the tone of one’s teeth. The list really is exhaustive, and it can be infuriating trying to figure out which is the best one.

To help you do this, I’ve condensed the above guide into an overall verdict of each potential option.

Over the Counter Options: Can be hit and miss, some are effective while others can be ineffective or damaging. Overall these are cheap, easy to find products. Some are very good, but you will have to do some research into separating the good products from the frauds.

Professional Dental Clinics: Very effective and safe. By far the most expensive of the options as you are paying for a professional service. If you have the money, then this is the best option. However, you will need several visits to such clinics to see results so factor this in as the cost can get quite high.

DIY Methods: Shouldn’t be viewed as a full treatment option. Some natural choices can indeed help with your teeth whitening, but the impact will be limited. It's a good idea to use a DIY method in conjunction with another, more reliable choice.

Best at Home Teeth Whitening Kits: Our top pick in terms of cost effectiveness. The top brands have really stepped up to the demand in the market, delivering super effective home kits at an affordable price. Results can be seen within a couple of weeks and these kits are also very easy to use.

Hello, Beth here! Welcome to my review where I will be discussing one of the most recognizable and top-rated acne treatment brands on the market today.

The issue of acne vulgaris is one that dominates the modern world – there are so many people who suffer from this skin ailment on a daily basis.

Therefore, there is an obvious massive demand for products and treatment systems. In particular, home treatments are all the rage.

Why? Well, because they are far cheaper than going to a medical specialist and they can also be used in the comfort of a person’s own home.

With that said, the vital question revolves around discovering which brand supplies the best home treatment. I will next examine one such option that is a contender to be the answer to this question – that being Proactiv and its treatment systems.

The Brand & Its Reputation

Established in 1995, this brand has been a leading figure in the area of providing methods for treating skin ailments ever since.

This year saw them reach the 20 million customer mark – something that is a glowing testament of their impact and effectiveness in a niche that is super competitive.

Seen as being the number one rated acne brand in the United States, Proactiv has long since established themselves as a permanent fixture in this niche – proven by their reputation and the countless glowing testimonials and reviews attributed to their products.

Why is it so Effective?

When it comes to any skin ailment there are two areas of knowledge that are vital for a brand if they’re to produce a competent cure – 1) the nature of the problem and 2) the human skin.

This is where Proactive excels. They understand acne in terms of what exactly it is and why it can appear on our skin. In addition, they also understand the human skin in all its varieties, whether it be oily, dry, sensitive, or combination.

By bringing these two knowledge bases together, this brand is then ideally placed to come up with the perfect way of treating the issue of breakouts.

Who Does it Suit?

The Proactiv treatment systems…

…are suitable for both teens & adults

…can be used by anybody who has acne prone skin

…effectively treat mild to moderate to severe acne cases

…prevents the risk of future breakouts

…can be used by both men & women

…can be effective in treating cystic acne occurrences

…overall aims to provide you with the best skin complexion possible

The Three Kit Options

This brand supply three distinct acne battling home treatments – each that is very effective in their own way. Below I will examine these three.

ProactivMD 3-Piece System

The Three Elements

1 - Deep Cleansing Face Wash:

- Uses tiny exfoliation beads to clean out the dirt and bacteria that are ultimately the problems behind a breakout.

- Can be used to treat the whole of your face, just make sure to avoid the eye area.

2 - Daily Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30:

- Works to replenish and rehydrate your face after you have cleansed it.

- Contains a SPF element which keeps your face safe from the harmful UVA rays of the sun.

- Can be applied to the face and neck region.

3 - Adapalene Gel 0.1%

- This is an extra weapon in addition to the cleansing agent.

- Topical retinoid medication that is specifically designed to treat acne.

- Perfectly suited for adults or children over 12 years of age.

- Can be used on all areas of the face minus the eyes – best to apply a thin layer.

The Benefits

This three-step system will…

Cleanse & exfoliate your facial pores to a thorough extent

Minimize enlarged pores & return them to a natural size

Provide protection from the sun & other harmful accumulative dangers

Remove excess shine that can appear on oily skin

Provide safety of use due to its FDA-approved properties

Full Ingredients List

Deep Cleansing

Face Wash

Daily Oil Control

Moisturizer SPF 30

Adapalene

Gel 0.01%

- water

- cocamidopropyl betaine

- distearyl phthalic acid amide

- synthetic wax

- stearyl alcohol

- cetyl alcohol

- jojoba esters

- sodium chloride

- sodium methyl cocoyl taurate

- citric acid

- aloe barbadensis leaf juice

- camellia sinensis leaf extract

- coconut acid

- menthol

- PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate

- caprylyl glycol

- hexylene glycol

- ethylhexylglycerin

- ascorbic acid

- butylene glycol

- disodium EDTA

- isopropyl alcohol

- sodium hydroxide

- phenoxyethanol

- sodium benzoate

- sodium sulfite

- potassium sorbate

- fragrance

- chromium hydroxide green

Active Ingredient:

- avobenzone 3%

- octisalate 5%

- octocrylene 7%

Inactive Ingredients:

- water

- isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate

- glycerin

- dimethicone

- diisopropyl sebacate

- polymethyl methacrylate

- aluminum starch octenylsuccinate

- sucrose tristearate

- silica

- pentylene glycol

- polysorbate 61

- dimethiconol

- sodium stearoyl glutamate

- phenoxyethanol

- caprylyl glycol

- tocopheryl acetate

- glycyrrhetinic acid

- panthenol

- triethanolamine

- allantoin

- carbomer

- potassium sorbate

- zinc gluconate

- xanthan gum

- disodium EDTA

- hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine

Active Ingredient:

- Adapalene 0.1% (retinoid)

Inactive Ingredients:

- carbomer 940

- edetate disodium

- methylparaben

- poloxamer 182

- propylene glycol

- purified water

- sodium hydroxide.

Might also contain hydrochloric acid in order to adjust the pH levels.

​

How To Use

Step 1: Apply the Deep Cleansing Face Wash: this will exfoliate your pores and remove the inflammation associated with this bacterial infection. Simply apply a small amount of the gel to your fingertips and gently rub it into your face for a minute or two.

Then rinse your face with some lukewarm water. Ensure that your hands are clean and that the water isn’t too hot!!

Step 2:Apply the Daily Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30: next you will need to replenish your skin with the vital nutrients that have been removed in the exfoliation process. Apply it liberally and to all areas of your face.

This moisturizer can be used before or after applying your makeup and is super quick at being absorbed into your skin.

Step 3: Apply the Adapalene Gel 0.01%: can be used before or after applying the moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin, then it’s advised you apply a moisturizer before this gel.

Cover the entire affected area with a thin layer of this product and allow to dry. It takes very little time in which to do so.

What to Expect – The First 6 Weeks

week one

week two

week three

week four

week five

week six

Slight improvements will appear in your skin

The Adapelene gel in particular will boost the healthy glow of your skin

Continued improvement in your skin condition

Your skin may seem a bit irritated or dry, this is simply your body getting used to the new treatment. Combat this by ensuring you use the moisturizer daily

Your acne will noticeably start to dissipate

Your skin will now be accustomed to the Adapalene, so dryness or irritation should no longer be an issue

The real benefits of this treatment system will start to become evident

Breakouts will be a thing of the past!

Your complexion will now look super healthy & more balanced in tone

It's important at this point that you are still applying this system on a daily basis

The benefits & effectiveness of this treatment are now in full effect

Your skin will look healthy & in prime condition

Keep up the usage for another 6 week period to ensure that the acne is banished from your life!

​

Proactiv Solution 3-Step System

The Three Elements

1 - Renewing Cleanser:

- This is a preparation tool for the acne-clearing product that is also included in this system.

- It works to clear the canvas of any dirt, excess oil/sebum, dead skin cells, or other impurities.

2 - Revitalizing Toner:

- Use this to wipe away any remaining unhealthy elements as well as boosting your skin with a blast of energizing ingredients.

- Apply it all over your face and allow it to dry. Do not rinse off.

3 - Repairing Treatment:

- Finish off this treatment by using micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide which will vigorously attack the bacteria that is the crux of this problem.

- Again, apply this to every affected area of your face and do not rinse off.

The Benefits

This three-step system...

Works in perfect harmony to attack & remove acne as well as boosting the overall health of your skin

Uses micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide to provide a super smooth experience that is also very fast acting

Full Ingredients List

Renewing Cleanser

Revitalizing Toner

Repairing Treatment

Active Ingredient:

- Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%)

Inactive Ingredients:

- water

- magnesium aluminum silicate

- glyceryl stearate

- PEG-100 stearate

- sorbitol

- dimethyl isosorbide

- disodium PEG-12

- dimethicone sulfosuccinate

- tridecyl stearate

- neopentyl glycol

- dicaprylate/dicaprate

- polyethylene

- cetyl esters

- anthemis nobilis flower extract

- sodium hyaluronate

- sodium PCA

- xanthan gum

- tridecyl trimellitate

- propylene glycol

- imidazolidinyl urea

- methylparaben

- propylparaben

- fragrance

- water (aqua)

- glycolic acid

- sodium hydroxide

- polysorbate 20

- hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) extract

- anthemis nobilis flower extract

- rosa canina fruit extract

- aloe barbadensis leaf juice

- sodium PCA

- panthenol

- glycerin

- propylene glycol

- allantoin

- hydroxyethylcellulose

- benzophenone-4

- tetrasodium EDTA

- imidazolidinyl urea

- methylparaben

- propylparaben

- fragrance (parfum)

- blue 1 (CI 42090)

- yellow 5 (CI 19140)

​Active Ingredient:

- Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%)

Inactive Ingredients:

- water

- ethoxydiglycol

- cyclotetrasiloxane

- cyclopentasiloxane

- cetearyl alcohol

- dimethicone

- glyceryl stearate

- PEG-100 stearate

- propylene glycol

- panthenol

- allantoin

- xanthan gum

- ceteareth-20

- carbomer

- sodium hydroxide

- diazolidinyl urea

- methylparaben

- propylparaben

- fragrance

How To Use

Step One: Renewing Cleanser – apply twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. Apply a small amount to your skin, ensuring that you have first wet your skin’s surface. Use your fingertips to gently massage this gel into your face.

Finish by rinsing your face with warm water and gently pat dry.

Step Two: Revitalizing Toner – also apply twice daily as above. Best to use this toner directly after the Cleanser. Use on the whole of your face.

Using a cotton pad or clean cloth, apply this toner and leave it on so it can dry. Do not rinse off.

Step Three: Repairing Treatment – cover all the affected areas with a thin layer of this gel. This can be used up to three times a day.

The best practice is to start with one application a day and then gradually increase it to three. This is simply so as to allow your body to get used to the new treatment type.

What to Expect – The First 6 Weeks

week one

week two

week three

week four

week five

week six

Your skin will take a week or two to get used to this treatment and its ingredients

Due to the above, some slight dryness or skin flaking may occur. Remedy this by applying a top-grade moisturizer liberally

Your pores will start to become exfoliated at a deeper level

If there is still slight dryness, then keep up with the moisturize

Check Circle

Your skin will start to become softer to the touch

Your skin will be fully acclimatized to the products

Blemishes will start to disappear as the bacteria is being eradicated

Check Circle

Your skin tone will become more balanced

Overall, your skin will appear far healthier

Any breakouts should be vastly diminished in occurrence

Check Circle

If there are still breakouts happening, they will heal and disappear at a far quicker rate

Existing blemishes or skin discolorations will start to disappear

Your skin will be radiant in appearance as the treatment system is in full effect

Your skin will be blemish free and now it's time to keep it that way

It's important that you keep up this treatment as acne can be cyclical in nature

Proactiv+ 3-Step System

The Three Elements

1 - Skin Smoothing Exfoliator:

- It helps to clear your facial canvas of any unwanted substances that may be clinging to the surface layer of your skin.

2 - Pore Targeting Treatment:

- This is the star of this particular treatment system as it works to actively attack the bacteria that comes from this problem.

- It injects its specifically designed formula directly into your pores where the battle for your skin’s health is waged.

3 - Complexion Perfecting Hydrator:

- Exfoliating can be tough on the skin, this is why it's key to use a top-quality moisturizer afterwards. This particular moisturizer has been specifically designed to be used with an acne treatment kit.

- It works to hydrate and re-energize your skin while ensuring that no blockages of your pores will take place.

The Benefits

This three-step system...

Uses Smart Target technology to increase the amount of anti-clogging formula that penetrates into your pores

Works in perfect harmony with one another to deliver the ultimate acne battling treatment

Will have the same positive impact on all skin types

Check Circle

Is completely safe as each product has been dermatologically tested, & are paraben & comedogenic free

Check Circle

Has been specifically designed to deal with current breakouts as well as preventing future ones

Full Ingredients List

Skin Smoothing Exfoliator

Pore Targeting Treatment

Complexion Pefecting Hydrator

Active Ingredient:

- Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%)

Inactive ingredients:

- Water (aqua)

- sodium cocoyl isethionate

- glycerin

- polyethylene

- lauryl/myristyl benzoate

- linoleic acid

- linolenic acid

- butylene glycol

- dimethicone

- ethylhexylglycerin

- acrylates/C10-30

- alkyl acrylate crosspolymer

- glycolic acid

- sodium hydroxide

- phenoxyethanol

- fragrance (parfum)

Active Ingredient:

- Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%)

Inactive Ingredients:

- Water

- ethoxydiglycol

- glycerin

- prunus amygdalus dulcis

(sweet almond) oil

- polysorbate 80

- polysorbate 60

- sorbitan stearate

- carbomer

- potassium hydroxide

- disodium EDTA

- fragrance

Active Ingredient:

- Salicylic Acid 0.5%

Inactive Ingredients:

- Water (aqua)

- butylene glycol

- cetearyl alcohol

- dimethicone

- sodium polyacrylate

- scutellaria baicalensis root extract

- sophora angustifolia root extract

- morus alba root extract

- glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract

- arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract

- kojic acid

- zinc gluconate

- alpha-glucan oligosaccharide

- sodium hyaluronate

- bisabolol

- allantoin

- squalane

- safflower oil/palm oil aminopropanediol esters

- C12-15 alkyl lactate

- caprylic/capric triglyceride

- caprylyl glycol

- ethylhexylglycerin

- glycerin

- ethylhexyl palmitate

- hydrogenated polydecene

- hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin

- PPG-5-laureth-5

- polyquaternium-11

- ceteareth-20

- aluminum starch octenylsuccinate

- polysorbate 60

- hexylene glycol

- PPG-2 myristyl ether propionate

- sodium hydroxide

- disodium EDTA

- phenoxyethanol

- fragrance (parfum)

How To Use

Step One: Cleanse: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator – apply some of this product to your fingertips and gently massage it into your face for a minute or so. Ensure that you skin is wet beforehand.

Rinse your face with warm water and then pat dry.

Step Two: Treat: Pore Targeting Treatment – this acne killing serum is best applied in a similar fashion as the Cleanser. Gently massage a liberal amount into all areas of your face.

However, unlike the Cleanser, do not rinse of this serum and instead allow it to be fully absorbed into your skin.

Step Three: Repair: Complexion Perfecting Hydrator – after you’ve treated your acne, it’s now time to hydrate your skin and replenish it with all those vital vitamins and nutrients.

Apply liberal amounts of this moisturizer to your face every time that you exfoliate with this system. Allow it be absorbed into your skin which it will do very quickly.

What to Expect – The First 6 Weeks

week one

week two

week three

week four

week five

week six

Your skin will quickly start to become acclimatized to the new products and their ingredients

If some dryness or slight irritation occurs don't fret, this is perfectly normal when trying a new treatment. Simply moisturize regularly to alleviate this issue

You could very well start to see results even at this early stage. Indeed, 80% of users of this system reported positive impacts at this week two stage

Your pores will start to appear smaller and your skin tone will also become smoother

You are now in full treatment mode and the benefits will be clearly evident

Any blemishes will begin to heal at a far quicker rate

Your skin tone and overall complexion will be glowing with health

It will also appear softer and smoother to the touch

Any previous breakouts should be completely gone, and new ones should be quickly disappearing

Your skin has now reached its optimal level

You are now well and truly winning your acne battle

It is important to keep up the treatment so as to ensure that this problem never again rears its ugly head

The Key Question – Which Treatment System to Choose?

OK, so as you can see, I have outlined the ins and outs of the three treatment systems that this brand has to offer. At this point I’m sure you’re musing as to which one is the best option?

Well, all three are very effective at treating this issue, but, in my opinion, the Proactiv+ 3-Step System is the way to go.

Why? Simply because this is this brand's latest system – this means that they’ve taken the best elements from earlier kits, combined them with new technology and knowledge, and then instilled them into this latest product range.

Also, this system comes in three unique forms which are catered for specific cases. You can see this below.

Component

Proactiv+ Teen Kit

Proactiv+ Complete Kit

Proactiv+ 3-Step System

Skin Smoothing Exfoliator

Pore Targeting Treatment

Complexion Perfecting Hydrator

Emergency Blemish Relief

Cleansing Body Bar

Clarifying Night Cream

Green Tea Moisturizer

Success Stories

The Free Gifts

A nifty element to this brand is that they offer a free gift with every purchase. These gifts are acne related products that serve to enhance your treatment.

They are by no means vital or necessary to the healing process, but they are certainly very welcome, as are most free gifts.

Back to School Problem Solver

This cool little pack includes a purifying serum which works in-conjunction with a Body Bar to absorb excess sebum/oil. Such oil is very detrimental as it blocks pores and also can cause bacteria to spread. Also, these products come in a handy carrier bag for convenience.

Charcoal Brush Gift Set

This brush has charcoal-infused bristles that remove any unwanted debris from your face. A cleansing Body Bar works to treat the acne efficiently while the Green Tea Moisturizer will add nutrients and hydration to your skin.

Detox Hydrogel Mask

This extra addition works great to extract and remove any nasty elements that might be sticking to your skin. Created using activated bamboo charcoal and Moroccan lava clay, this mask is perfect to reduce the size of pores and make the skin more toned.

Warranty

This brand offers a 60 Day Money Back Guarantee which is an exceptional warranty length in this particular niche – most offers only come in at 30 days.

This ultimately means that you could try out one of this brand’s treatment systems for two months, then, if you’re not happy with the results, avail of a full refund!

The only thing that you’d have to do is to return the product bottles. It doesn’t matter if they’re full, half full, or completely empty.

Overall this is a brilliant addition as it completely removes any financial risk. It also goes to show just how confident this brand is in their products.

Testimonials

FAQs

Is it worth signing up for a membership?

I believe that it is. There are considerable benefits associated with being a member. They can be seen below:

Discounted Prices: members avail of a cheaper price when it comes to the products and kits on offer.

Automated Orders: every 12 weeks you’ll receive a new batch of your preferred option at a cheaper price. This overall removes the need to reorder as well as the risk of forgetting to do so. You will also have the option to pay in three installments rather than one lump fee.

Full Customization: you can make changes to your order at will. This is a great way to upgrade your treatment and experiment with the different products that this brand has to offer.

Monthly Promotions: Proactiv are constantly running deals and coupon offers. These will be sent directly to your email if you become a member.

Schedule Shipments: You have ultimate control over when you receive your next batch. This is perfect if you find yourself running out for whatever reason.

Are these treatments FDA approved?

Yes, all of the products supplied by this brand have been FDA tested and certified.

Have the kits been Dermatologically tested?

The products and kits have all been dermatologically tested to the highest standard.

What package types are available?

Each home treatment kit is available in a 30-day and 90-day bundle.

When will I see results?

Everyone’s skin is different but normally you will start to see the impacts within week 1 – 6. A lot of people have experienced positive effects within the first 2 weeks.

Are these products suitable for all skin types and ethnicities?

Yes. These products have been created to suit all the different types of skin, no matter the complexion or ethnicity.

Before I begin, I understand that some people mightn’t fancy reading our full guide. That’s no problem!

If you’d prefer, you can instead have a look below at the summary table of the top 5 acne treatment kits that our research has uncovered. Alternatively you can also jump straight to my #1 recommendation - Here.

In saying this, we at theHealthBase always recommend that you read our guides in full - it really is the best way to get properly informed!

Painful Problem - The Reality

This affliction is really horrible. There is no other way to describe it. Whether it's an everyday ailment or just a random breakout, it is never a welcome occurrence.

Why is it so bad? Because it has a detrimental effect on how we perceive ourselves. Also, it affects how we think others perceive us. It knocks our confidence and makes us self-conscious. This is the same for everyone, nobody is immune to the psychological impact that this problem can have.

“I had just started ninth grade when I got my acne…I wouldn’t look people in the eye. It was not a good time for me – it just killed my self-esteem. I thought when I didn’t look at someone, they couldn’t see my face.”

- Kendall Jenner

Personally, when I think of these unwelcome pimples two things come to mind – spotty teenagers and unhealthy people. Why these two things? Probably because my own acne years occurred when I was an unhealthy teenager! Thus the association. [1]

But it isn’t as simple as that. This issue can occur no matter how old or healthy you are. Unfortunately, there are far more reasons other than poor hygiene or the changing hormones of an adolescent.

Yes, the above factors do cause breakouts – something I learnt from painful experience. But so does such things as stress, allergies, poor diet, excessive consumption of certain foods, a rundown system, and a whole host of other reasons.

In recent years I have banished this skin affliction from my life, but, like everyone else, I still get the odd zit or breakout from time to time despite my best efforts.

Such annoyances are usually caused by one of the above mentioned factors. However, despite this, it is most certainly not all doom and gloom!

This bacterial infection is a problem that can be controlled. This is the good news. The better news is that you have happened across our site where we provide the solution to this problem.

The Health Base team have done the leg work for you and constructed a foolproof, comprehensive acne battle plan. Extensive testing and product comparison studies have given us knowledge that I would now like to share with you.

The following is a detailed guide to everything that you need to know about this dreaded skin ailment. This includes the five best over-the-counter home kits on the market today.

In addition, the Health Base’s comprehensive treatment plan will also help you discover which product is best suited for your complexion. I am confident that you will find this guide both informative and helpful.

What is Acne?

The technical term for this issue is acne vulgaris. In a nutshell, it is a disorder that causes blockages in your skin’s pores. These pores connect to oil glands which lie under the surface of your skin. [2]

An oily substance known as sebum is pushed up through these glands and out through your pores.

Why? So as to rid your body of dead skin and dirt that has accumulated over time.

Sometimes this mixture of dirt, oil, and skin can cause these pores to become blocked. This is when problems can occur.

It can come in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, oily skin, breakouts, and even scarring.

This problem is normally located on the face, back, and upper portion of the chest. These areas are worst hit because they have the highest number of oily glands. What a lot of people don’t realize is that there are several different types of this issues. And to make matter even more complicated, each of these types has its own causes and effects as well as methods of prevention. [3]

I'll explain below the different types of this ailment as well as a little bit more about pores.

Click to Learn More About Pore Health

What is a Facial Pore?

These naturally occurring orifices can be found all over a person’s face – appearing as varying sized dots that are aligned on the surface of your skin. These dots will vary in size depending on where on the face they’re located. For example, these dots will appear larger in and around the nose region.

But what exactly are they? Well, in the simplest terms, they are tiny openings on your skin’s surface from which hair follicles emerge. These small openings also have minuscule glands located in them.

These glands are known as the sebaceous gland and have the job of creating and exuding sebum/oil.

Sebum is a natural oil that the body produces for many reasons – a key one being that it lubricates and helps remove certain unwanted substances from our facial openings. These substances include things like dirt and dead skin cells.

When it comes to talking about such questions like what’s the best idea on how to clean pores, then it’s important to know the above facts, such as that sebum/oil actually plays a natural role of cleansing your face.

However, issues can appear if these entry points in our skin are too large. Below are some such problems:

Skin can become excessively oily

Regular emergence of black- & whiteheads

Blockages become a common occurrence

Application of makeup can be disrupted

The above are all physical concerns that can come about due to enlarged pores, but there is also a psychological worry that is well worth mentioning.

Large pores are quite noticeable on a person’s face, and they’re not particularly appealing if I’m being honest. Why? Well, because they kind of ruin the ideal skin complexion that we all crave – that being a smooth and blemish free look.

Therefore, because of their appearance and the problems that they can bring about, enlarged ones can indeed have negative impacts on our mental well-being. This is not a case of vanity, but rather just human nature. We all want to look our best, there’s nothing wrong with this, so it’s natural that our confidence might take a hit if this particular skin issue was to appear.

So, with that in mind, the important question is then what to do if you believe your own facial vents are too large in size? This brings us nicely to…

What is the Best Pore Minimizer?

Toned Skin

This one is very simple and straightforward – the more toned that your skin is, then the tighter and more firm it’ll be.

This will have the effect of ensuring that your facial vents are also tight and narrow, thus dramatically reducing the chances of them becoming enlarged.

An incredibly effective skin toner can be found in a particular substance known as witch hazel.

This substance contains very powerful anti-inflammatory properties as well antibacterial agents. Also, not to be dismissed is the fact that this is a 100% natural treatment method – something that is always desirable, especially in the modern world.

Steaming

A key reason why our pores can become enlarged and widened is because they become full to the brim with nasty elements such as dead skin cells; hair follicles; excess sebum/oil; dirt; substances from air pollution and sun damage; et cetera et cetera. All of these elements can block up our natural facial openings and force them to expand – this will leave them unnaturally enlarged.

Therefore, what’s needed is for you to cleanse your face in an effective and timely manner. By doing this you will remove all this rubbish from you pores - thus reducing inflammation and returning them to their normal size. The key to achieving this lies in your ability to fully open up your pores so as to achieve the maximum exfoliation.

This is where facial steaming comes into the conversation. Steaming has been proven without doubt to be the premier method of opening pores to their maximum levels. Not only is this exfoliation method very gentle and invasive, it’s also incredibly soothing and relaxing – this means that it has many additional benefits other than cleansing.

Dietary Missteps

When it comes to the health of your skin, and indeed your overall body, then the above adage is pretty much spot on! For the majority of us, our skin and bodies will accurately reflect our dietary habits.

Now, there are some people who can eat whatever they want and still look amazing (I begrudgingly congratulate you if you fall into this minority), but, for rest of us, “you are what you eat” is a very truthful saying.

When it comes to pore size, diet can play an important role in preventing and reducing enlargement occurring. This is because a proper, nutritional, balanced diet goes a long way to providing our skin with that vital elasticity and strength – two things that are absolutely essential for a healthy complexion.

Possessing healthy skin will automatically negate the risk of any enlargement occurring with these opening in your skin. But what types of food can help with this issue? I find that the best course of action is to adhere to the rule of variety is best – whether it be fish, meat, veg, or fruit, the trick is try and consume as many different options as possible.

In particular though, foods that are high in zinc or fatty acids are great for the health of our complexion. The former can be found in red meats and grain while the latter is common in nuts and fish that have an oily composition.

Beware the Sun

I cannot stress the following enough…the sun needs to be respected!! Oh so many people do not give the sun its proper respect and ultimately pay the price. In the short term, skin can become burnt and blistered, while in the long term a person’s complexion can suffer from accumulative damage that can end up being quite serious.

Yes, the sun can make our skin go nice and brown. But, and this is something that a lot of people don’t understand, the sun is also a leading factor in the premature aging of our skin. This in turn can then lead to our pores becoming enlarged beyond their normal state.

The above highlights why it’s vital that you take the correct precautionary steps when it comes to the sun. Look, it’s not rocket science – if you’re going to be out in the blazing heat for a prolonged period of time, then simply apply the proper level of sunscreen. Your skin will thank you for it!

Q. How to Close Pores?

A. Closing them on an indefinite basis would be counter-productive to your aim of having a healthy complexion. These skin vents are essential in allowing our skin to breathe as well as serving as a natural method of cleansing our faces.

However, these vents can become enlarged to an unhealthy extent, especially if exposed to extreme heat. An easy way to reduce them to their normal state is to splash some cold water onto your face. This is why this is often the final step in an exfoliating session.

Q. How to Clean Pores?

A. There are many ways to successfully cleanse your skin. Whether it be a simple wash of the face; a cleansing agent; acne home kit; or even microdermabrasion, the options really are quite varied.

My personal favorite, as I stated in this article, is to steam my face. I believe that this is the best method in which to open up your skin which is necessary for the cleansing process. I use a home face steamer in order to achieve this.

Q. How to Reduce Pores?

A. As explained in the methods 1 – 4, the best techniques of reducing the size of them is to maintain a healthy diet; to be wary of sun damage; to steam every now and again; and to ensure that your skin remains toned.

In addition, if you apply some common sense with regards to the health of your skin and overall body then you shouldn’t have a problem with maintaining an overall healthy complexion.

The Three Types of Acne Vulgaris

​

1

Comedones

More commonly known as whiteheads and blackheads, a comedo occurs when a hair follicle/pore becomes blocked by emerging keratin (skin and dirt) and oil/sebum.

A blackhead is when the surface is breached by a comedo. A whitehead takes form beneath the skin. The factor that dictates whether the comedo will be a whitehead or blackhead is what depth the blockage in your pore occurs.

2

Pimples

Also known as a zit or spot. Pimples are a type of comedo. They are also caused by blockages in the pores. In addition, pimples can take the form of pustules and papules.

​

Pimples are what comedo’s become when they reach the point of inflammation. This occurs when the blockage is it at its zenith.

3

Seborrhoea

This is a rare type of this skin problem. Also known as seborrheic eczema or seborrheic dermatitis. Unfortunately, its rarity is equalled by its memorable appearance. Seborrhoea is a type of mild dermatitis. It usually effects the upper torso, scalp, and, of course, the face.

Seborrhoea only occurs on people who have existing severe acne. It takes the form of red, crusty, and flaky skin that looks very irritated. The best thing to do with Seborrhoea is to visit a dermatologist immediately. As indicated, this type is far more serious than a comedo. [4]

Each of these types suck. There's no getting away from this fact. But what causes them? Read on to find out!

10 Major Causes

Overload of Sebum/Oil

Cosmetics

Bacteria Spreading

Allergies

Stress

Sebum is a natural oil that is secreted by the body. It consists of triglycerides, squalene, wax esters and metabolites.

The function of sebum is to waterproof and lubricate both the skin and hair. It also serves to rid the body of excess dead cells and dirt.

Some people naturally exude more sebum than is needed. This leads to your pores/hair follicles becoming clogged. An oily complexion is quite a common and natural thing to happen.

In fact, I myself have quite oily skin and this was why I struggled with this affliction. This was before I wised up, of course!

This one is a big issue with females….though men can suffer from it as well! Many people either have to (for work) or choose to wear make up on a daily basis. These products, if not removed properly, can cause pores to be blocked.

A significant cause of makeup related acne often occurs due to fatigue. If you’ve been out all day at work, or at night having fun, it can be an arduous task to remove the makeup from your face before you collapse onto your bed!

You might even forget, depending on how many drinks you’ve had!

Sleeping with makeup on is, of course, not good for the skin. Pimples or other breakouts can happen quite easily due to this.

A handy way to avoid such a problem is to place a pack of clean wipes and a small waste-bin beside your bed. That way you will be reminded to quickly cleanse your face before you close your eyes for the night.

This is a big one as bacteria can proliferate in rapid fashion if given the chance. Under no circumstances should you pick or touch any facial affliction with your bare hands.

All this will accomplish will be to spread the acne vulgaris bacteria to other places on your body. [5]

Everyone on the planet is allergic to something. Allergic reactions come in a variety of forms. It could be a rash; watery eyes; sinus issues; or headaches. What a lot of people don’t know, is that allergies can also cause acne.

Thorough studies have shown that some dietary factors can cause breakouts. Depending on your physical makeup, anything from dairy products to carbohydrate-high food could trigger spots rising. Even a healthy amount of chocolate can cause it! 🙁

The best way to shield yourself against this is the same way you should deal with allergies in general. First and foremost, make an appointment with your chosen doctor.

This way you can get a full allergy test done to see what irritates your body. From here you can then make changes to your diet.

This one is a bit of a puzzler. It has still yet to be scientifically proven that stress does indeed induce this bacterial infection. Conversely, it is widely acknowledged that stress can indeed be a factor.

There are reports that indicate that certain hormones are triggered by stress which cause an increase in the production of sebum. This increase can then lead to pore blockage. [6]

Therefore, how to avoid stress? Simply put…don’t get stressed!! Easy? Not quite. We all know that in the modern world stress is unavoidable.

However, it is possible to control stress to a manageable level as many factors behind stress are self-induced.

Run-Down System

Poor Cleansing Routine

Dietary Habits

Puberty

Dead Skin Builds Up

It's well known that a weak immune system can lead to skin problems. When the immune system is struggling – whether from a poor diet or some sort of infection – then skin inflammation can occur. This then leads to problems.

Obviously, the trick is to have a healthy immune system. This means having a good daily diet and training regime. Possessing these two things will also decrease your chances of catching an infection. They will also improve your chances of quickly fighting off an infection should one occur.

However, we all get sick from time to time. This is a given in life. But we can most assuredly limit these times as well as restricting the impact that illness has on our bodies.

This one used to be a major factor for my own skin problems in my 20s. Since wising up after my teenage years, I’ve pretty much had a healthy diet and I like to think I’m in good physical condition.

Also, I'd always take care to wash my face regularly. Yet, every now and again, I’d still get the odd zit or sporadic outbreaks from time to time.

It used to drive me mad! It wasn’t until I did some research did I figure out where I was going wrong. My washing routine was incorrect. My failings included:

Using soapy water

Washing my face with my hands

Using the incorrect temperature of water

Using a cleansing product that did not suit my skin

All of these things can worsen the effects of acne. Trust me, I know from personal experience! Later on I will go through what I find is the best cleansing routine.

This one is really quite self-explanatory. Very often our complexion is a fair gauge of our health. While this is not always the case, having a healthy diet and body usually results in healthy skin.

I still wince today when I look back at my diet as a teenager. Teenagers are an unaware, care-free bunch, and I was no different.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; our care-free teenage years allow us to grow, mature, and evolve into a mature member of society.

However, our diets usually take a bit of a hit nonetheless! Thus the constant reminders from parents to eat our veg and fruit!

If you are going to eat sugary, salty, and greasy foods then you can expect your skin to pay a price. There is a reason why professional athletes always seem to have a glowing complexion – because they are at the peak of their physical powers!

All in all, this is just another great reason to improve your overall fitness and dietary habits.

When adolescents enter puberty, hormonal changes can have massive impacts on their bodies. Unfortunately, these changes can also cause acne to develop.

As the body grows and develops, hormones cause an increase in the production of sebum from the sebaceous glands. This in turn can then lead to a rise in pores being blocked.

Pustules/pimples on teenagers can be quite widespread and serious. It is vital that teenagers follow a solid cleansing method in order to take care of their skin.

A key part of this is to allow the skin that's been affected to heal properly. This means to avoid interrupting the healing process. If not, then scarring can be the end result – something that nobody wants.

There are three primary reasons dead skin can build up and lead to pores being clogged. These are the aging process; the lack of a proper cleansing routine; and dry climates.

As we age, our skin stops being as efficient as it once was. This leads to dry skin forming as well as dead skin. This build up can then lead to blockages in your pores. Thus, the older we get the more we have to look after our complexions.

A a lack of an effective facial cleansing routine can cause dead skin to accumulate. Going prolonged amounts of time without cleaning one’s face will result in large amounts of dead skin piling up. This will then lead to blockages. Remember, the human body is constantly shedding millions of cells.

Dry climate is another factor that can lead to dead skin piling up. Climates that are in the extremes are not particularly great for our complexion. This ranges from dry climates that are lacking in humidity, to freezing conditions that can be found in the depths of winter. Both extremes can expedite or worsen the problem. A key way to battle these environmental effects is to always moisturise.

Acne Care - The Key Dos & Do Nots

Click: The Key Dos

Do Use Clean Tools - This is one that is often overlooked, and it really shouldn’t be! When it comes to cleansing our skin, we use a whole host of different implements to get the job done. This can vary from tweezers; to combs; to towels; to face cloths; to nose trimmers; to razors; to scissors; et cetera et cetera. The list really is quite endless! Though these health and beauty tools are without doubt effective and worth their place in our routines, they can soon turn harmful if they are not looked after properly. This makes perfect sense if you take a moment to think about it. These implements are used to clean dirt and other things from our bodies. Due to this, they then get dirty themselves. This means that these tools need to be thoroughly cleansed or else you’ll just end up using contaminated implements the next time you want to cleanse. This can then easily lead to pore blockages which in turn can cause breakouts. Yeuck.

Do Take Your Vitamins & Minerals - Vitamins and minerals are correctly seen as being essential mainstays in our diets. These super little bits of mother nature are key in helping our bodies maintain their optimum functioning levels. As such, the benefits and uses of vitamins and minerals are endless. With regards to treating/preventing bacterial infections, vitamins and minerals are necessities as they supply strength; flexibility; regenerative capabilities; and many other benefits that our bodies need.

Do Use Concealer - This is one technique that has saved my bacon on more than one occasion! Zits have a nasty habit of rearing their ugly faces at the most unfortunate of times. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve had a breakout the day before, or the day of, a big social event. It’s maddening. Now, there’s very little you can do within such a short period of time to fully remove the offending zit – you can bring down the swelling a bit and ease the redness perhaps, but the pimple will still be evident for the most part. This is where a quality concealing method could save the day. A concealing agent can effectively hide the offending pimple and get you through the night in question. The trick to this method is get the blend of concealer spot on (no pun intended). If you use too dark or too light a tone of concealer, then the pimple can actually be made to look worse. Another key tip is to take special care to blend the edge of the area your concealing with the surrounding skin. By doing this, it should all look perfectly seamless and the zit should be pretty much invisible.​

This technique will not work for everyone, and it does have varying levels of success. However, it’s a free method and very simple one to utilize so it’s definitely worth a shot in my opinion.

Click: The Key Do Nots

Do Not Touch Your Face With Dirty Hands - The key word in the above heading is definitely “dirty”!! There are some health and beauty specialists out there who will tell you that you should never touch your face, even though this really isn’t all that practical. We touch our faces pretty much every day, most of the time completely subconsciously – i.e. scratching an itchy eyebrow or nose, or brushing a stray hair from our face. So, while I agree that you shouldn’t over touch your face, I think it’s more logical to ensure that you don’t touch your face when your hands are excessively dirty. This is just common sense. Over the day, dirt accumulates on our hands at a steady rate – this is something that cannot be avoided, no matter how many times you wash your hands. The last thing that you want to do is to then transfer this accumulative dirt to your face. This will lead to pores becoming blocked and breakouts occurring in the form of whiteheads. So, just try to keep this in mind if you’re over fond of bringing your hands to your face.

Do Not Scrub Your Face - This is a major mistake that so many people make when they are cleansing. It stems from a simple belief – the more elbow grease applied while cleaning will result in more dirt being removed! This line of thinking might work perfectly well when it comes to cleaning your car, but it’s a bit of a disaster with regards to exfoliating your face. Why? Again, because our faces are quite delicate in nature. The skin that adorn our faces is quite complex and can easily be aggravated. This is why it’s important that you don’t wash your face in the same manner that you do the rest of your body. Excessive scrubbing, or even repeated washes, will only result in the skin on you face becoming raw and irritated. It’s more beneficial to exfoliate your face rather than wash it – the difference between these two being that the former is a more delicate process.

Do Not Squeeze a Zit - This is such an oh so tempting thing to do!! Trust me, I’ve been there! When a whitehead occurs it’s incredibly annoying. From that point on all you want to do is to get rid of the offending zit as quickly as possible.Thus, the urge to squeeze the life out of it enters your mind!! 🙂 This stems from the reasoning that the quicker the pimple gets popped and all the gunk is removed, then the sooner the healing process can begin.The problem with this is that the zit needs to be allowed to mature to the point where it’s ready to be popped. If squeezed too early, then only bad things will happen unfortunately. To begin with, popping a zit prematurely is a sure-fire way of causing the bacteria to actually spread to other areas of your face. It will also cause the offending pimple to become even redder and more irritated. Therefore, even though it’s very annoying, you have to be patient when it comes to treating a zit. Allow for your body to fully push the blockage to the surface, then pop that zit and begin the cleansing process. Trust me, it’ll be worth it in the long run.

Do Not Over-Wash - As alluded to in the previous point, over-washing one’s face can also be very counter productive when it comes to cleansing. This is quite prevalent when it comes to acne care as washing you face too often could very well lead to breakouts. Why, I hear you ask? Well, you see, every time that our skin gets washed, vital nutrients and agents are removed during this exfoliation process. This is just a natural result of this process and one that isn’t a major problem once you’re aware of it and take the necessary steps. If you apply a moisturizer after exfoliating, and give your skin time to recover, then there will be no adverse effects. However, if you wash too regularly then you won’t be giving your skin the necessary time to recover. This is when problems can occur. People often get hooked on cleansing their faces, wrongly believing that more is better when it comes to exfoliating. They ignore, or not aware of, the fact it is definitely possible to overdo it when it comes to cleansing. So, keep this in mind!

Do Not Go Picking - This is a direct lead on from the previous point. When a zit has been popped at the correct time, it is then time to clear out all the gunk that has caused the problem in the first place. This can be achieved by gently squeezing the zit. After this, the body will naturally cover the injured area with a scab. A scab is a natural barrier that our bodies use to cover an open wound. It does this so as to provide some cover while it goes about fixing the underlying issue.Therefore, the last thing that you should be doing is going and picking off this scab! This is a really terrible idea for two reasons. Firstly, this will interrupt the healing process and thus extend the time that it takes for the offending zit to vanish. Secondly, picking a scab can actually lead to a scar being left as the body won’t be able to fully heal the injured area. So, resist the urge, my friends, and don’t go picking!!

Do Not Be Impatient - This point reaffirms the ones I’ve already mentioned. Whether it be over-washing; picking a scab; scrubbing your skin too roughly; or prematurely squeezing a zit, acting in such a manner will only result in your acne or zit situation becoming worse. Patience really is the key. You must allow your body to respond to the bacterial attack in a timely manner. Our bodies are marvelous pieces of natural machinery, and they are fully capable of dealing with skin issues. However, if we actively interfere with the natural processes of our bodies, then the result could very well be that the situation will only be made worse. Being patient can be a tricky thing, especially when it comes to acne treatment, but I hope you now see why it’s absolutely key.

Do Not Use Toothpaste - If you search online for this method, then you’ll no doubt come across numerous sources that will both adamantly encourage toothpaste use, and others that will vehemently discourage it! Such is the joy that is the internet 🙂 But which one is true? Can toothpaste really be used to heal zits and whiteheads? The answer to this really is a double-edged sword. It’s technically true that some toothpastes are effective at drying out pimples which will reduce the inflammation and reddening. However, toothpastes have also been known to irritate acne and even cause it to spread. Also, drying out a zit may reduce the redness, but it’s not necessarily great in the overall scheme of things. You want a zit or infected area to be moisturized as this will ensure that the proper nutrients and hydration are reaching the troubled area. My personal advice is to stay away from the toothpaste technique. I’ve tried it in the past and didn’t really see much of a difference whether it be good or bad. If you’re curious, then sure go ahead and give it a go. Just be careful, though.

What is My Skin Type & the Importance of Knowing

Identifying your skin type is something that many people would like to be able to do but a large majority don’t actually know how to go about gaining this knowledge. Why so difficult?

Simply because there are quite a few different types, all which have varieties. It is also very common for a person’s face to consist of different types rather than just the one.

For example, I have quite a dry and sensitive complexion around my cheeks and neck. Yet, in contrast, my nose and forehead (the T area) consists of oily skin. The fact though that I know these differences is hugely beneficial as I can then treat both types accordingly.

And this is the key to the importance of knowing – each type is unique and therefore needs to be treated differently. Only by correctly identifying your skin type can you then take the necessary steps in order to prevent facial maladies.

Again, using myself as an example, I would exfoliate my nose and forehead regularly in order to remove the excess oil/sebum.However, I would very rarely exfoliate my cheeks as it would only irritate the sensitive skin that’s located there. Instead, I gently wash this area and moisturize daily.

So, you can see the importance of identifying the different types that makeup your face and body. Next, I’ll look at these types and how they are broken up in a broad, general way.

The Different Types

The varying skin types can roughly be broken up into five different categories – normal, oily, combination, dry, and sensitive. These categories are quite broad with each having varying levels of intensity. For example, most people have an oily complexion somewhere on their faces, but some might have excessively oily skin that needs to be cleansed every second day.

Below is a description of these five types and some of their most common characteristics – have a look and see which ones you believe best describes your own unique complexion.

Normal

Combination

sensitive

dry

oily

People who have predominately normal skin are the lucky few! It’s rare to have a complexion that is mostly of the normal type, but if you do…then, well, I am insanely jealous!!

The normal type is characterized by being smooth and clean – both in the way it looks and feels. This is because this type is perfectly balanced, being neither too oily to feel and look shiny and greasy. Nor being dry and red like skin that can be associated with dry or sensitive skin types.

Due to this well-balanced complexion and tone, the normal skin type very rarely experiences breakouts and indeed is not susceptible to a whole host of other ailments. Thus my jealousy!!

Overall, this type of skin is the preferred one. People who have predominately a normal complexion are blessed with features that looks natural and healthy. But, as I said, it’s rare for a person to have this skin type as their dominant type. The majority of people have a mixture of this type and the ones that I’ll discuss next.

This is exactly what it sounds like – having two different categories. This results in certain parts of your face having standard or excessive oil production, while other areas having distinctly lesser oil production levels.

​Combination usually manifests itself with the upper portion of your face, nose, and chin being oily. In contrast, your cheeks would be quite dry in composition. This can leave this area becoming flaky and irritated.

Combination is quite common as a follow-on from oily. People in their twenties and thirties often have combination, perhaps after having oily as a teenager. This is just another example of how our bodies are always in a state of flux as we grow. This is why it is important to keep on top of your health as what worked five or ten years ago may not be as effective now.

The tricky (and annoying) part of having combination is that you may be forced to use two types of treatment. One for your oily part, and one for your dry. This may seem like a lot of hassle, but once you get into the routine it will become second nature.

Our advice for people with combination is that you use the same method as outlined for the oily sections of your face. This will be a mild cleanser/acne product without alcohol. You should probably not use this on the dry parts of your face as there is no need. Instead, apply a moisturizer to these areas so as to supply relief and freshness.

Sensitive skin is often confused with dry skin as both can get dry and red in appearance. Sensitive skin is actually areas of our body that get irritated easily – whether it be by elements such as the sun or weather, or different types of food or cosmetics.

This then lead to our faces being prone to appearing flushed and it can even result in rashes or red patches forming. Of all the skin types, this is probably the one that is the most unappealing in terms of aesthetics because of the aforementioned features.

This type can also be identified as it will feel itchy or will have a tingling sensation that will spread throughout it. This is your skin telling you that there is something interacting with it that’s not going down well!

The best way to treat sensitive skin is really just trial and error. If you have this type, and start to feel that it’s being irritated, then take note of what your skin has come in contact with in the recent past. Hopefully, over time, you’ll then be able pinpoint exactly what the issue is.

As you may have suspected, dry skin is pretty much the exact opposite of oily. The only thing that they have in common is that can both be problematic, though for different reasons.

Dry skin occurs when there is a lack of oil/sebum being produced. This type appears raw and even flaky. It can be quite tight and rough to the touch as well. The problems that occur with this skin type is that it can become prone to excessive aging and therefore wrinkles or lines. It can also become quite irritated and dehydrated.

As with oily skin, it’s important to identify this dry variety so that you can treat it accordingly. The key with dry skin is to ensure that the affected area is moisturized with a quality cream on a regular basis. This will result in your dry complexion getting the needed vitamins, minerals and hydration. This will mean that your face will become more balanced and healthier.

Also, when it comes to dry skin, it’s a clever move to avoid exfoliating this area regularly. This type doesn’t exude huge amounts of oil/sebum so therefore there is no need to go mad on the cleansing. In fact, over cleansing dry skin will just make it worse as it will increase the dehydration factor.

Oily skin can be a real pain – it can make a face look greasy and unclean; it can aid in the spreading of dirt and bacteria; it can be nightmare when mixed with makeup; and, ultimately, it can stress the heck out of you! This unhealthy concoction can very easily lead to whiteheads or other such nonsense appearing. Not good. 🙁

But, and this is the important bit, it’s most certainly a condition that is very manageable. What exactly is oily skin though? Well simply put, it’s an area of our skin where there is an excessive production of oil/sebum. It’s not an uncommon occurrence and it’s also not something that indicates poor health – though this may be a factor.

I have quite an oily complexion on my forehead, even though I exercise regularly and also have a solid diet. Despite this, my forehead can often appear shiny if I do not cleanse regularly.

This type is characterized by having a complexion that shines. This is very evident on the forehead. This shine is caused by the sebum/oil that is being exuded from your pores. I know, that sounds a bit gross but it’s perfectly natural!

Check out the product that we believe is the best with dealing with this type: Exposed treatment kit.

The Risk: because of this overproduction of sebum, people with oily skin can experience pore blockage quite easily. To avoid this, a quality cleansing regime is needed – like the one we will soon be detailing.

A key point to keep in mind is to avoid buying an product that has alcohol in its formula. The reason for this is that alcohol cleans you face to an excessive extent, often removing all the oil/sebum. This may work in the short term but over a long period of time it will actually be damaging for your complexion.

Why damaging? Because alcohol based formulas can cause reactive seborrhoea – this is when your oil glands sense that there is a lack of oil so they work doubly hard to produce more. Therefore, a vicious cycle begins.

A much more productive choice is to use formulas of a milder nature. Such a product will remove excess dirt and sebum/oil while leaving your face refreshed and clean. Another option that can be very successful in dealing with excess oil production is to use a facial mask. Masks can have massive benefits for your skin.

4 Methods to Manage to Oily Skin

Method One: Cleanse Both Regularly & Properly

A complexion that is naturally quite oily needs to be cleansed more regularly then say areas of skin that are dry or sensitive. This is because the excess oil/sebum needs to be cleared away less it begin to block your pores.

By exfoliating your skin on a consistent basis, this will result in the oil/sebum as well as any dirt being removed from your face. This will then limit the chances of your pores being blocked. However, this will be all for naught if you do not adopt the correct cleansing routine.

Another factor that is also important is that you buy the correct cleansing products. It’s rather counterproductive if you starting applying a useless or even harmful cleanser.

Important note: When buying a cleansing product or kit, it is absolutely vital that you ensure there is no alcohol incorporated into the product’s formula. Alcohol is an extreme cleansing agent that works a little bit too well when it comes in contact with skin – in that clears off everything, both good and bad.

The end result is that your complexion will be super dry and sensitive, something that is definitely not what we want. While alcohol has becoming less and less used in beauty and healthcare products over the past number of years, it can still be found in certain cleansers and exfoliants so take care.

Method Two: Moisturize Regularly

If you are a frequent visitor to the Health Base and have read a few of our pieces, then you’ll be aware that we place quite a bit of importance on moisturizing. There’s good reason for this! No matter what skin type you have, moisturizing is essential for its health.

Incorporating a high quality moisturizing agent into your daily routine is pretty much a must if you are looking for solid results. In fact, not using a moisturizer will most certainly undercut all the other efforts and steps that you take in trying to maintain your skin’s health – it’s that important!

Why is it so important though? What is it about moisturizing that makes it so essential? Well, you see, when we use cleansing and exfoliating treatments – whether it be scrubs, creams, masks, microdermabrasion, or whatever – there are certain elements that are taken from our skin. This is just a natural side effect of clearing off all that unwanted rubbish.

So, therefore, these elements need to be replaced. These include essential nutrients and vitamins. In addition, our skin will also be dehydrated after such treatments. A good quality moisturizer will rehydrate your complexion as well as supplying it once more with those needed nutrients and vitamins.

When it comes to the type of moisturize to use, we at the Health Base recommend going for a water based type rather than oil based. This is simply because water based creams are far easier to apply. Oil based creams can leave the skin looking shiny after being applied. An example of such a moisturizer can be seen in our Zenmed review – The Oil Free Day Lotion.

Method Three: Get in Your Vitamins & Minerals!

This may seem like an obvious solution, but sometimes the best methods are the ones that we neglect because of their obviousness!

I speak of personal experience – for years I took the consumption of minerals and vitamins for granted. I never really took any notice of them, always just thinking that I was getting enough of such things from my food intake.

Well, I was mistaken!! Even if you have a superb diet (most of us don’t), there is still a good chance that you’re missing out on a certain vitamin or mineral.

Our bodies and skin need such a variety of minerals and vitamins that it can be really difficult trying to figure out which ones are the most vital. When it comes to vitamins and nutrients that are vital and super effective in dealing with an excessively oily complexion, there are three that stand out. These are Vitamin A; zinc; and Omega 3.

Method Four: Clay Masks

This is a more time consuming method than the ones outlined above, but one that has been proven to be just as effective in regards to dealing with oily skin. Clay masks have two major benefits when it comes to dealing with this skin type. They are….

1 - When applied, clay masks will absorb the excess oil/sebum from your face – this will thus remove this excess sebum and clear your pores

2 - Clay masks will draw out any other impurities on your skin’s surface or in the pores of you face – they too will be absorbed into the mask and then be removed from your face

For an example of a perfect DIY home clay mask, take a look at the method I've outlined below.

DIY Home Clay Mask

STEP ONE

​​​​​​​​

-Combine 1 teaspoon of clay in a small bowl with 3-5 drops of Witch Hazel

- Ensure that you mix thoroughly

STEP TWO

- When the mixture is settled, gently apply it all over your face

- Allow the mixture to dry on your face

STEP THREE

​​​

- Rinse of the clay mask with lukewarm water

- Pat dry your face with a clean towel or face cloth

STEP FOUR

​

- Repeat this treatment twice a week for best results

- Use for one month at a time

Alternatively, if you don’t fancy the DIY version, take a look at Zenmed’s Derma Cleanse Mask for a top quality version – it’s located in the Table of Contents under Product 3.

Identify Your Skin Type - 4 Quick Methods

There are a lot of people out there that are a little bit unclear on how to differentiate these varying skin types. This is understandable as it can be a little hard to separate a few of them.

However, despite the confusion, it is key to appreciate the importance of identifying the different skin types that cover your face and body.

Only by correctly doing this can we hope then to pinpoint exactly what we need to do to improve and enhance our complexion.

Below I have complied four easy-to-do methods that will help you to correctly gauge the different skin types that is present on your body.

Meth​od 1: Use Blotting Paper

This method is straight forward and very useful. It involves using blotting paper in order to determine the skin type in question. It is most pertinent in attempting to discover if you have excessively oily skin or a complexion that is severely lacking in sebum/oil.

The trick it to use the blotting paper on skin that has not been washed recently or come in contact with cosmetics. The best way to ensure this is to wash your face before you go to bed, ensuring that you remove all the makeup or other cosmetics that you may have applied.

Also, refrain from moisturizing as you’ll want you face clear of even beneficial elements. Then, in the morning, gently press the blotting paper to the different areas of face that you want to check. Don’t rub your skin with the paper as this will cause irritation, so instead just blot. The result will be that you’ll be able to see the amount of oil that is present in the different areas of your.

If you have an excessively oily complexion, then there will be quite a large amount oil present on the blotting paper. In contrast, if the paper is absent of oil then you’ll know you have dry or sensitive skin in that area.

Method 2: Take a Close Look in the Mirror

This may seem a bit obvious and simple, but sometimes the best methods are indeed are obviously simple!! When it comes to discerning what type of skin type you have, more often than not you can figure this out by simply taking a good look at the chosen area.

This is particularly relevant for an oily complexion. This type is very noticeable to the eye as the skin will look more shiny than usual. It can even look somewhat greasy which is not what we want for our faces.

Below is a quick guide to what to look for when it comes to differing types:

Skin Type

Visual Characteristics

Normal

Healthy & smooth

Sensitive

Inflamed & irritated

Combination

Normally oily in T-Zone area, dry on cheeks & under eyes

Dry

Red & flaky

Oily

Shiny & greasy

.

Method 3: The Sense of Touch

Again, this is another straightforward method but one that is very effective. We use our sense of touch every day of our lives to ascertain the nature of things. Understanding what type of skin you have is also something that your sense of touch can help you with. Oily complexions will leave visible residue on your fingertips, while healthy, fresh skin will feel smooth to the touch.

I would add thought that it is most definitely advisable to wash your hands before you go touching your face!! Some of my colleagues are avid believers that people should never touch their face.

There's no real danger, however, as long as your paws are clean. 🙂 Below is a quick guide of what the different skin types feel like:

Skin Type

Visual Characteristics

Sensitive

Will feel irritated & a tingly sensation

Oily

Visible residue will be evident when touched

Normal

Smooth

Dry

Coarse to the touch & will feel tight

Combination

A mixture of the above types

​

Method 4: Seek a Professional’s Opinion

This is probably the last one that people would actually consider as it takes a bit more time and effort than the other three. Also, you’ll have to pay for a consultation fee in the process – dermatologists and doctors don’t work for free after all!

I personally think that you’ll be able to pinpoint your different skin types from the first three methods that I have discussed thus far. However, if you want a concrete opinion, or if you’re struggling to identify the type in question for whatever reason, then don’t hesitate in choosing this method.

Also, and this is important, if you are suffering from any type of persistent malady then it’s key that you visit a dermatologist or doctor in the near future.

Key Note – Skin Changes!!!

It’s very much worth noting that our complexions gradually change over the duration of our lifetimes. Therefore, they way we treat it has to evolve and develop as well. Aspects like puberty, hormonal changes, age, diets, exercise regimes, and changing climates are some of the most common reasons that can cause our complexions to change over time.

Fret not though. Now that you have the necessary information pertaining to each skin type, you can comfortable treat your skin and ensure that it is at its best 24/7, 365 days a year.

Essential Ingredients - the Right Stuff

A vital part of your search to cure your skin problems is to ensure that the right stuff has been put into the product. As with everything, if the ingredients are not proper then the outcome will mirror this. Just imagine trying to make chicken noodle soup without the chicken…or noodles! No good. [7]

The following two ingredients are absolutely vital for an effective home kit – benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. It is worth your time to read a little a bit about these two ingredients if you are determined to rid acne from your life.

Benzoyl Peroxide

- Also known as peroxyde benzoyle. This ingredient supplies oxygen to your skin which works to kill the bacteria that brings about pimples and breakouts. The scientific name for this bacteria is Proprioni Bacterium. This bacterium thrives in oxygen-less areas. Therefore, oxygen is needed to battle this bacteria and this is what benzoyl peroxide delivers.

- This ingredient also succeeds in ridding your face of dead skin cells. Dead skin accumulates on the surface of your skin which can block pores. Furthermore, this accumulation can also expedite the growth of Proprioni Bacterium.

- Warning: it's worth noting that benzoyl peroxide is quite a strong ingredient. It can lead to excessive drying of your skin which can then result in irritation. This ingredient has also been known to cause allergic reactions as well as bleaching clothes or towels, so be careful where you apply it.

Salicylic Acid

- This is a beta hydroxyl acid that originates from willow bark. Sometimes it might actually be listed as willow bark instead of salicylic acid, so keep that in mind when you are scanning the ingredients.

- In scientific terms, salicylic acid works as a bacteriostatic agent. It reduces the spread of bacteria by nullifying the bacterial protein from being produced. In addition, this ingredient also works to remove dead skin cell, excess sebum/oil, and dirt from your body’s pores.

- Overall, this process will succeed in opening your clogged pores and cleaning them out. It will aid in inducing cell growth which will ensure that your skin grows at a faster rate. This will then help to remove any scarring that might have occurred. It will also cure lesions and discoloration. [8]

​​​The Big Decision...Benzoyl or Salicylic Acid?

In terms of their effectiveness, both these ingredients are beneficial. Any related product worth its salt will have either one of these in their formula. In fact, some products incorporate both. However, in saying this, our research has provided conclusive proof that salicylic acid is the one to choose. Below are the main points as to why we think this is the case:

No bleaching – salicylic acid does not have the same effect on textile material that benzoyl peroxide has. This alone, for the sake of your clothes, is a major plus

Anti Aging properties – salicylic acid has the added benefit of increasing the creation of cells which helps to rejuvenate your skin. This can help in the reduction of age lines and any blemishes of the skin

Reduces inflammation – salicylic acid is a chemical relative of aspirin. As with aspirin, it also helps in the reduction of inflammation and redness that can occur due to this bacterial infection. This benefit is very welcome as it greatly helps to negate the aesthetic damage that can cause be caused

What are Other Vital Ingredients?

Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide may be the two prominent ingredients, but there are other ingredients in products that prevent whiteheads that are also worth being familiar with. The following is a quick guide to each of them:

INGREDIENT

BENEFIT

Alpha hydroxy acids

(glycolic acid or multifruits acids)

- significantly aids with exfoliation by clearing blocked oil glands

- not as effective as salicylic acid so therefore should never replace it

Ensuring the Formula is Correct

We cannot stress how key this is. A lot of inferior brands and products will make one of two mistakes – either they’ll refrain from using benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, perhaps choosing a cheaper option instead.

Or they won’t do the necessary research and will add too much or too little of these vital ingredients into their formula. Either eventuality can prove detrimental for the quality of the product.

If these ingredients are overused in any given product then serious damage could occur. Abuse of such ingredients as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can cause your skin to become heavily irritated and even burnt. The only time these ingredients should be used in high doses is under the supervision of a qualified dermatologist. Even then, this should be a last course of action.

Correct amount of benzoyl peroxide: this ingredient usually falls into the 2.5% - 10% concentration range. The temptation is to automatically go for the 10% so as to get the strongest, most impactful treatment. Our advice would be to start with a smaller dosage, perhaps the 2.5%.

The reason for this lies in the strength of benzoyl peroxide. 10% could very well be too much for your skin type, even though it can be bought over-the-counter. So, to avoid irritation, the best course of action is to buy a product with a lesser percentage and see how that goes.

Correct amount of salicylic acid: the same can be said for this ingredient. It is far better to start with a smaller dosage than to go straight away for the highest percentage. In saying this, salicylic acid is naturally far easier on your face than benzoyl peroxide.

Salicylic acid usually comes in just the 0.5% - 3% concentration range. While the 3% concentration probably won’t cause any issues, it is still advisable to start with a lower does – our recommendation being the 0.5% - 1.5% range.

Also, the higher the concentration of these two ingredients then the higher the price of the product will be. So, to spare yourself possible side effects as well as needless spending, it really is best to start with lower dosages.

Next I'll discuss some warning signs that you need to be on the lookout for regarding the formula.

Formula Alarm Bells

As with every niche and product line, there’s going to be so dodgy ones. Unfortunately, for every one-hundred honest merchants, you’re going to have a few that are lacking in ethics. These people are more concerned with lining their pockets than your health concerns.

As a result, this leads to shoddy and potentially dangerous products. The same can be seen in the niche of acne treatment. So, what are the main things to look out for?

The first one is an overuse of ingredients. Companies who do not know, or care, what they’re doing will sometimes pack in as many ingredients as possible into their creations. They do this to try and impress consumers. We are programmed to think that more is better. However, this most definitely is not always the case.

An overload of ingredients in an product can actually work to further clog pores – exactly the opposite effect of what it’s meant to be doing! Over using such ingredients such as paraffin oil or some silicones can cause this to happen. So, keep an eye out for an overload of ingredients.

It is important to note that the above mentioned ingredients aren’t necessarily bad for your skin. They work to sooth and refresh, thus the reason they are added to formulas. Once the dosage of these ingredients is low then there should be no problem.

The second thing to look out for is the use of alcohol. AVOID THIS LIKE THE PLAGUE. We really cannot stress this enough. The sad fact is that alcohol is used in quite a large amount of brand's products, something that in this day and age shouldn’t be the case.

Companies and brands use alcohol in their products for two reasons. Firstly, the alcohol gives the naturally thick cream a lighter composition. This may seem trivial, but then again this is the beauty industry we are discussing.

The second reason is that alcohol is super at removing oil from the skin. The problem lies in the fact that alcohol removes too much of this oil. This can cause your complexion to become raw and irritated. Also, your glands will react to the sudden lack of oil/sebum by trying to generate more and more. As noted before, this will result in a viscous cycle that will be disastrous for the well-being of your skin.

The Must Have Moisturizing Agents

As we have stressed, benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid are vital ingredients.

But they can also have a certain drying out effect on the skin. In order to compensate for this, many cosmetic brands make sure to include ingredients that are used to ease dryness and increase freshness.

These top moisturizing ingredients can be seen to the right ---->

The ideal formula will include a variety of the above moisturisers in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid as well as other elements.

Passion flower extract

Arnica

Aloe Vera

Glycerine

Chamomile

Vitamin B5

Calendula

Choosing & Sticking with the Correct Brand

This is common sense yet something that a lot of people don’t adhere to. People often swap and mix different brands.

THIS IS A MISTAKE!!!

The logic for staying with the same brand is quite simple and straightforward. The products from the top brands are all designed to work together – this is how they have been formulated. Messing with that formula by introducing a product from a competing brand can very easily unbalance the whole enterprise.

This is clearly evident in the niche I'm discussing here today. Each brand uses different dosages and measurements in terms of their ingredients. All the products from any given brand are designed to be compatible, something that is definitely worth keeping in mind.

Now, in different areas of your life it is perfectly OK to mix and match the different brands. For example, it really doesn’t matter if your hair gel and body spray are both produced by Lynx. It’s far better to find ones you like rather than worrying about brand loyalty.

However, when this health issue is considered, it is absolutely the correct decision to stick with the same brand.

Another key thing to keep in mind is that you must give your chosen product/kit enough time be effective. A common mistake many people make is that they abandon a treatment after a week or so because there are no immediate results.

These things take time so don’t be hasty in dumping a product. In fact, you should only ever move onto a new method or product if the one you’re trying is having an adverse reaction on your skin. Or if you’ve been using it for months without any visible improvement.

Is the Guarantee Guaranteed?

If you don’t read the small text, it’s time to start! We have reiterated continually throughout this guide that we all have different types of complexions. This means that it might take some time to find the right product for your particular type. It’s highly preferable that this search doesn’t also cost a small fortune!

That’s where the Money Back Guarantee comes into the equation. Now, some brands try to be sneaky. Like only giving a 15-day money back guarantee. This is laughable. These brands know full well that an treatment plan cannot be accurately judged after just two weeks.

Therefore, it is key that you choose a brand that offers a substantial period in which you can return the product. And, of course, get a full refund.

Avoid the Marketing Traps

Brands and companies make products for a sole reason – to make money. There is nothing wrong with this, that’s how business works.

To achieve this all-consuming goal, manufactures sometime employ marketing tactics that give them the edge over their competitors.

Again, there is nothing wrong with this. What’s wrong is that we as consumers sometimes fall for these traps!! Below are some of these machinations that you mightn't be aware of.

The Volume Trap: A pretty common one. Brands will make their products slightly smaller or lighter than their rivals. This will save them money on the production costs. This might mean that your facial cleanser is 25ml or 50ml lesser than another product…though it still costs the same! If this happens, you really only have yourself to blame.

The trick is to your due diligence. Don’t just buy the first product that you see. Compare and contrast them.

The Autoshipment Trap: The next tactic or trap that brands use is to try and get customers to select Autoship. For those unaware, Autoship is a service that allows you to receive your favorite products in an automated fashion – usually every month or so.

This saves you the effort of having to physically go through the buying process every time you need a top up. It also saves you money on shipping.

For the merchant, Autoshipment is also beneficial as people are more likely to stay with their product. Let’s face it, people can be quite lazy! Most people won’t bother cancelling their Autoship selection unless they have a major problem with a product.

Don’t get us wrong, this little marketing trap isn’t necessarily a bad thing as Autoshipment does bring down your overall bill.

However, it's important to understand what Autoship entails – otherwise you’ll end getting hit with a second charge in a month’s time even if you have no wish to get a repeat batch of the product.

What is Exfoliation?

Whether it be treating acne, or simply cleansing your face on a daily basis, exfoliation is a vital component if you are to be successful. But what exactly is exfoliation? What does the term actually mean?

Well, simply put, this involves the removal of unwanted substances and agents from your face – both from the surface and from the pores. These substances and agents can include excessive oil/sebum; dirt and debris; dead skin cells; and accumulative elements such as sun damage, air pollution and many more examples.

Only by removing these unwanted undesirables can our faces hope to achieve their healthiest appearance as well as their optimum performance. Next, I’ll discuss some of the key benefits that exfoliation can deliver.

Four Top Benefits of Exfoliating

Superior Complexion & Texture

Battles Acne & Lessens Breakouts

Combats Father Time

Increases the Proficiency of Skincare Prodcuts

Healthy skin is something that is visibly noticeable. It’s something that can be spotted a mile away. It’s something that we all want. And it’s most definitely something that we are envious that other people have!!

Skin that is healthy has a glow to it – a freshness and brightness that just screams health and confidence. Exfoliation is vital in giving the complexion of your face this healthy glow. The reason for this is simple and can be explained in two steps: removal and reveal.

Removal - As mentioned before, exfoliation is the act of scouring your skin’s surface and removing all that rubbish that builds up over time. It also empties your pores of additional nastiness that is blocking your skin’s ability to breath.

Reveal - By removing all this unwanted nonsense, this then causes the fresh, youthful, and vibrant skin underneath to be revealed in all its glory. This is what we want – to get rid of the old, outer layer of rubbish so that the new skin underneath can come to the fore. This will greatly help to give your skin complexion that glow that we all crave!

In terms of texture, exfoliation can greatly increase how your skin feels. We all know that when our skin is tired or unwashed, then it has a rough, flaky, and irritated feel to it. Not nice. Cleansing your skin can bring it back to life – proven by how good it feels after being properly cleansed! You feel like a new person after properly treating your skin.

This skin problem is a curse that many people are afflicted with at some point in their life. The potential causes are numerous, so much so that it’s impossible to avoid it entirely. Whether it be a full blown breakout or just a rogue pimple like a whitehead, everyone is affected in some way.

Exfoliation works miracles in terms of providing a solution. Why? Because it helps to remove the bacteria that is the cause of this issue and ultimately is the root cause of breakouts. By attacking this bacterium, cleansing helps to remove the any negative nastiness. Also, by keeping your face cleansed and exfoliated on a regular basis, this will help to prevent future breakouts.

People who have naturally oily skin are susceptible to their acne spreading. This is the last thing that any of us want. You see, if you have naturally oily skin, then this excessive production of sebum can work as a transport for the bacteria to move to different places on your face. Thus spreading the dreaded infection 🙁

By exfoliating and removing this excessive sebum on a daily basis, this will greatly lessen the chances of the above happening To sum it up….

Remove the acne's means of transport = remove the threat of it spreading = win the war.

Father Time is a man that waits for no-one! Every second of every day, we are aging – depressing, yes, but it’s something that’s inevitable.

However, there are things that we can do to combat the effects of aging and perhaps even stall it for a little bit.

One of these things is exfoliation. As we age, our skin’s ability to rid itself of dead skin cells become less proficient.

This is a natural occurrence but one that is quite annoying as it aids the aging process. You see, this lack of proficiency leads to wrinkles and skin lines appearing as your skin accumulates these dead skin cells.

This benefit is especially important when it comes to the treatment of acne vulgaris. Using healthcare and beauty products on an uncleansed face is both a tremendous waste of time and money! In order for these products to work properly, the canvas that they are being applied to has to be pristine and at its most receivable.

Why is this so important? Because layers of dirt and grim and other stuff can create a barrier between any products and the skin that these products are meant to be beneficial. Simply put, the product won’t impact the skin as it won’t be able to penetrate the overlying layer of dead skin cells, dirt, sebum and god knows what else! I love a good analogy…so imagine trying to paint a wall that’s filthy!!! Pointless.

This is where exfoliation comes into the equation. A good cleansing session will remove this layer of dirt and grim and leave your face (or wall :)) at its most receivable for whatever health and beauty products that you plan on applying.

The Correct Cleansing Routine

When it comes to exfoliating and cleansing your face, there are two key boxes that you need to tick if you are to be effective.

The first is that you choose the correct products in which to incorporate into your cleansing routine.

Inferior products can range from being utterly useless to downright harmful, especially if they are acne treatment product.

The second box, and just as important, is the actual physical process of exfoliation. OK, so you’ve got the best of the best in terms of products, but this will still mean very little if you apply said products incorrectly.

This is where a quality application method is needed. Below is what I believe to be the best cleansing routine. Hopefully, you’ll find it helpful!

Step 1: Choose the Correct Products

Step 2: Wash Your Face

Step 3: Use Clean Towel

- Whether it be cleansers;treatment gels; face masks; scrubs; anti-aging products; or moisturizers, it’s vital that you select the ones that are best for your skin. This means that you’ll have to do some research and testing in order to get the products that are best suited for you

- Any skimming or laziness in this area could very well result in you buying a less than effective product. In terms of cleansing and acne treatment, take a look at our reviews on the top products that we've come across to date for a good beginning point

- Do this in a gentle fashion by using lukewarm water. This will begin the actual exfoliation process. Lukewarm water is necessary in order to open up your pores – the warmness in the water will do this. Be careful not to use hot water as you’ll burn that delicate skin on your face!

- A colleague of mine at the Health Base – Rachel – is an avid believer that you should never touch your hands to your face, even when cleansing. She thinks it’s best to simply splash the water onto your face. I personally believe that once you’ve washed your hands thoroughly then there should be no issue, but splashing water up onto your face is definitely just as effective

- Clean being the essential word here!! There’s no point in using a dirty rag to clean your face, I hope we can all see the sense in that!

- The easiest way to ensure that you’re not stuck with a dirty cloth is simply to have a few spares. This way you can use the cloth, throw it in the wash, grab the next one, and repeat

- It goes without saying that this rule of cleanliness also goes for any implements and tools that you plan to use

Step 4: Bring the Heat

Step 5: Apply the Cleanser

Step 6: Rinse Your Face

- In order to further open up those pores, drench your face cloth in lukewarm water and place the cloth over you face. Hold it here in place for 30-45 seconds and then remove

- You will noticeably feel how the heat has affected you face – this is one of the most enjoyable parts of exfoliating I believe. It’s very noticeable that your pores have been opened and that your face is ready to be cleansed. Even before applying the cleanser, your face at this point will already start to feel fresher and healthier

- Now that your pores are open and ready to be cleansed, it’s time to rub in that cleanser. Again, this can be accomplished by using a fresh hand cloth or by using your fingers…even though Rachel would never advise the second option!! 🙂

- Using gentle clockwise movements, rub the cleanser into all areas of your face. If you're using a cloth, then make sure that it's been doused in cold water. It's important to do this in a gentle manner - the cleanser will do its job without any added force needed from you

- Once the cleanser has been rubbed into your face, you can then rinse it off. If the cleanser has done its job you will also be rinsing off all that unwanted nonsense that accumulates onto our faces

- The only other thing that I’d say about this step is that you use cold water. As warm water naturally opens our pores, cold water does the opposite and causes them to close. This is why we’re always advised to have a cold shower after using a sauna or steam room!!

Step 7: Time for the Acne Treatment

Step 8: Dry Your Face

Step 9: Finish with a Top Quality Moisturizer

- If you are also in possession of an acne treatment gel, this is the time when you would apply it – after the cleanser and before the moisturizer

- Use the same application method as outlined with the cleanser. Or, if you only have a sole zit or two, then apply the gel via spot treatment. This is probably a better application method as it reduces the wastage of your gel

- It’s important once again, and obvious, that you use you a clean towel or face cloth for this step. It’s an understatement to say that it’s kind of counter-productive to cleanse your face only to then dry it with a dirty towel!!

- Another important thing to remember is that the best method of drying is to pat dry your face. This will minimize the friction caused. Many people rub their faces vigorously to dry it, much the same way as they dry their bodies. This is a mistake. The skin on our faces is far more delicate than that on the rest of our bodies, so only a gentle patting dry technique is required. Any excessive force will cause irritation

- I’ll go into this in more depth in a later paragraph, but it’s safe to say that it’s vital that you finish your facial treatment with a good moisturizer. For an example of such a top notch moisturizer, check out the one that can be found in our Zenmed article - look for the Omegaceramide Moisturizer in the Table of Contents.

Extra Step – How often to cleanse: this is quite an important factor in the cleansing routine. Too often and irritation may occur; not frequently enough, and skin ailments may form. Everyone’s skin is different – what might work for one person, may not be as beneficial for the next.

I personally cleanse every three to four days. I find this to be enough. Any less and I can feel my skin (especially my forehead) becoming oily. Any more and my complexion will start to get irritated. The best advice I think is to experiment yourself and see what works for you.

IMPORTANT NOTE: the above routine and advice is something that I use and stand by. However, it is important to acknowledge that every person’s skin is unique. We may be able to divide types into categories but these categories are quite broad. Just like no two faces are exactly identical, skin has the same variations and differences. [9]

As the good doctor says…

“There isn’t a ‘formula’ because we all have different skin types, we live in different climates and we engage in different sports and activities.”

- Brandith Irwin, MD

Key General Tips

1

Improve Your Shave​

This is a tip that I personally treasure so I can only imagine how valuable it will be for men. For years, shaving used to be a real hit and miss kind of deal for me. Sometimes I used to have a perfect shave, and other times my skin would be left raw and irritated. At first, I thought it was the razor blades that were the issue. I thought that perhaps it was the fact that the blades were getting dull or that they were nicked. It got to the point that I started using a different blade every time I shaved!! Not exactly practical or financially economically, I know. 😉

Eventually, and it took me a heck of a lot longer than it should have, I realized that it had nothing to do with my razor – it was the state of my skin that was the issue. If my skin was suitably clean and fresh, then it would adversely affect the quality of my shave.

So, as an experiment, I decided to cleanse and exfoliate my skin prior to shaving. And, well, I haven’t looked back!! My shaving routine became far more productive and effective because my skin was more receivable to the blade. Of course, I still have my bad days (I can be quite clumsy!!), but these days are far and few between.

2

Be Wary of Ordinary Soap & Shower Gel

Many people, when in the shower, wash their faces with an assortment of products. Whether it be a generic bar of soap. Or a top of the range body wash. Keep in mind though that your face is far more delicate than your body. It takes far less to damage your face or block your facial pores than any other area of your body.

A lot of soaps and body washes are only really designed to be used on the body – not the face. It is important to keep this in mind. The reason for this is that these products often contain ingredients and mixtures that are not suitable for contact with your face. This can often lead to allergic reactions or blockages in your pores.

3

Never Scrub Your Face

This ties back into what I was saying about your face being delicate. The way you clean your underarms, or chest, should most definitely not be the way you clean your face. The former body parts are washed by scrubbing, usually in a vigorous manner. Your face is far too delicate for this. Rough scrubbing on your face will only irritate it and cause problems.

Instead, use a wet cloth to dab your face when you are showering. This will soak up and remove any excess oil, dirt, or dead skin cells. It will also stop your face from being damaged.